AMESBURY — With dozens of chili dishes out for folks to sample on Saturday, it was first-time entrants Sweet Cheeks and For The Party Co. that took first place during the Amesbury firefighters Local 1783’s 20th annual Chili Cook-off
“Honestly it was pretty cool. It also came as a surprise because it feels as though usually the firefighters win it every year, deservingly so. So we kind of just were doing it for fun,” Sweet Cheeks Owner Renee Terry said.
Last year’s title went to the Amesbury Police Department.
Terry and her friend, For The Party co-owner Amy Bogert, are nearing the one-year anniversary of opening a space on Water Street for their businesses together. However, it was theirhusbands that competed on their behalf for the chili cook-off, which began at noon and lasted until 4 p.m.
“They were both very excited to do this. They had been planning this for weeks, having their own little business meetings,” Terry said.
She said they entered a more traditional chili.
“They were really careful about how to balance the spice and try to keep it friendly for all while still maintaining the classic chili flavor. I do know that they wanted to try to kind of have more of a smoky barbecue flavor. and then I think probably the icing on the cake would they topped it with like a Frito cornbread cup crumble,” Terry said.
Unable to attend himself this year, Amesbury Fire Chief Jim Nolan called the event a great way to bring the community together.
“Everybody has a good time. It’s a good for camaraderie between area departments. I know I saw Woburn Fire there this year. It expands every year and it’s really good,” Nolan said.
He said it would not be possible without the help from local businesses.
“The Barking and Dog and Vermettes help us out every year,” Nolan said.
Asked if there were any dishes he was particularly sad to have missed, Nolan said it is hard to single one out.
“My own guys, I always support them. Every year there’s a different one. I go around and sample them all, but everyone is different usually,” Nolan said.
He said there have been many memorable ones over the years.
“I remember one year, a long time ago, there was one that made it back to the firehouse, and it was left over in the refrigerator. They must have used ghost peppers or something, and it burned our eyes when we opened the fridge, so that was a pretty strong one,” Nolan said.
Matt Petry covers Amesbury and Salisbury for The Daily News of Newburyport. Email him at: mpetry@northofboston.com.