Chili Chowder Festival Tempts all Tastes

By MADDY VITALE Bob and Jan Bennett tried out a variety of chilis at the Chili Chowder Festival on Saturday afternoon at the Music Pier on the Boardwalk.

And for the West Chester, Pa., couple, who have a vacation home in Ocean City, it is an annual event they enjoy.

“We look forward to it every year,” said Bob Bennett. The two scooped out some turkey chili made from one of the vendors, Blitz’s market. “It’s really good,” Jan Bennett said with a smile. The Bennetts then made their way to the Randazzo's restaurant adjoining vendor table to savor some other chilis. “This event also supports a good cause,” Jan Bennett noted. “We like that.” Jan and Bill Bennett sample some turkey chili. The Ocean City Restaurant Association presents the event each year. This is the fourth year. Members of the restaurant association give festival-goers a variety of chili or chowder recipes to test out. Proceeds from the festival benefit the Ocean City Firefighters Foundation, which uses the funds for charitable causes. Last year, the event raised $10,500 for charity. Jane Davis, owner of the Johnny B Goode Ice Cream Parlor and a member of the Ocean City Restaurant Association, said, “It benefits the Ocean City Firefighters Foundation. They distribute the money to the needy in the area. It’s an opportunity for people to come out, have fun and eat good food for good causes.” One of the highlights of the event is the chili cook-off. Ocean City firefighters hold a friendly competition and it is up to the festival-goers to decide which of three tables with pots of chili has the best. People line up for the festival.