School supports Masons at chili cook off

By: 
Esther Noe
Feb. 11 turned out to be the perfect day for The Polar Bear Chili Cook Off with what many said was the best weather in the history of the event. 
According to Janet Wetovick-Bily, executive director of the Hill City Area Chamber of Commerce, “This year the weather was exceptional, and the chili cook off participants were excited about the line-up prior to the start of the tasting and the steady crowd thereafter.” 
Mason John Knapp agreed, saying, “We had a good turnout.” Around 150 people came to taste and many were lined up by 10:30 a.m.
This year there were 19 competitors, and many others asked how they could join next year. 
“The teachers got in it big this year thanks to Mayor Kathy,” said John. “That helped out big time.” 
Mayor Kathy Skorzewski, who also works as an interventionist at Hill City Elementary School, explained that they wanted to support the Masons in return for all they do for the children at the school. Thus, they entered five types of chili in the cook off since it is one of the Masons’ biggest fundraisers. 
To further show their thanks, fifth-grade teacher Barbara Sachs had her students make a poster for the Masons. After writing “Thank You Masons!” in large letters, the children drew cartoon teeth, floss, toothbrushes, dental tools and the Delta Dental van on the poster. It was then taken room to room and signed by every student in the elementary school. 
“It was just a way for the kids to say thank you in their own way,” said Skorzewski.
The poster was then presented during The Polar Bear Chili Cook Off.
Competition was fierce at the cook off this year, and John said the results were the closest they have ever been.
The People’s Choice Award came down to the final six votes with Tucker Knapp coming in third with 26 votes, Allyssa McVey coming in second with 28 votes and Tracy Knapp coming in first with 32 votes. 
The booth decoration award was even closer coming down to one vote between Kade McVey in first at 43 votes and the Hill City Elementary School in second with 42 votes. The Knapp family came in third. 
The judges then voted on the chili categories. For red chili Kade McVey came in first, Hill City Elementary came in second and Elizabeth Knapp came in third. For green chili, Tracy Knapp came in first with Chad Ronish in second and Carmen Ronish in third. Finally, for white chili Alyssa McVey came in first, Carmen Ronish came in second and Tucker Knapp came in third. 
Everyone received a medal, and first place winners received a prize of $50. 
Kade, who won first in booth decoration and red chili, has been entering the cook off for the last 10 years to support the Masons. 
“I’ll support anything they do,” said Kade, who is a Mason himself, “What the proceeds go to is a good cause.” 
This year his booth once again included a log frame with elk horns. Kade has been using this booth for eight years and says it is a good fit. 
Meanwhile, his chili featured hamburger, bacon, elk burger and sausage to give it a unique flavor. 
Last year Tracy took second place and made it a goal to get a first place medal this year. Instead, she got two, one for green chili and one for people’s choice. 
Her chili was made with extra hot hatch green chilies, navy white beans, pork and onions, and was said to have “just the right amount of bite.” 
However, Tracy’s primary goal in competing was to support the Masons. She said, “I just like what they do with the kids.” 
Allyssa, the winner of the white chili category, also entered to support the Masons. 
“They do a lot of good for the community. They put in a lot of work in any of the events that we have. They always work really hard. They care about the community and the kids. I like to help support,” said Allyssa. 
This was Allyssa’s second year entering the cook off, and she said, “It was a really good turn out.”

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