On a cold evening Feb. 10, with much plowed snow in and around the First Presbyterian Church of Hokendauqua parking lot, dedicated souls came out to attend the second annual chili cook-off contest, held in the social hall of the church, 3005 S. Front St., Whitehall.

Entering the back door of the church out of the cold night air into the social hall, attendees were greeted simultaneously with the warmth of the hallway to the social hall and the inviting, tantalizing olfactory experience of the cooking chili as the aroma wafted from the kitchen.

Kevin Justice, of Allentown, and Mary Ann Miller, of Whitehall, led the contest with Miller assisting wherever needed and Justice also acting as a contest judge. Other volunteers, including Whitehall High School students, assisted while others judged the contest.

Six distinguished judges were selected to vote on the best chilies offered by seven contestants.

The judges included Whitehall Township Mayor Joe Marx; Scott Cope, longtime volunteer and community activist with Wildlands Conservancy; Cynthia Litzenberger, Northampton Community College administrator of culinary arts; Hokendauqua American Legion officer Tom Bohner; and event co-coordinator Justice. Michael Kramlich, executive chef and a member of WHS Class of 1971, was also to be a judge, but he had last-minute family need, so he could not attend.

Chili cooks included the manager of Coplay Eatery, identified only as Don; Simply Smooth Catering chef David Casey; Joe Butchinski and Liesel Miksits; Jocelyn Cosenza; Barbara McConaugey; Faye Mehalshick; Connie Overby; and Joanne Matthews.

Attendees dined on a large pot of chili made in the church kitchen. Baked goods were served as desserts with refreshments.

The chili entries were then served in small cups for the judges and attendees to evaluate. Chili texture, aroma, taste and appearance, usually judged on a scale of 0-10, is a useful guide in chili analysis. A great chili possesses a balance of spices, a rich and meaty flavor and a thick hearty consistency.

The 2026 edition of the chili contest followed the Olympic model of awards with one modification. There were three chili cook-off prizes and three people’s choice awards. Instead of using the gold, silver and bronze format, the contest leaders chose a first-, second- and third-place format.

The judges awarded first place to Casey, second to McConaugey and third to Mehalshick. Casey received a $200 gift card and a trophy, McConaugey received a $150 gift card and a trophy, and Mehalshick won a $100 gift card and a trophy.

Attendees picked Matthews as the first-prize winner, Casey as second place and Overby garnered third. All three received a trophy, with Matthews getting a $50 gift card and Casey and Overby awarded $25 gift cards.

The chili contest was a fun evening of socializing, friendly competition and palate-pleasing chili that had the team of volunteers busy, the attendees happy and everyone looking forward to next year’s event.