Embers Brew House chili cookoff winners Joanie Fluit, left, who won first prize for her “Spicy White Chili from the judged portion of the contest, and Vikki Bennett, who won the people's choice award for her “Wild and Beasty” concoction.

Snow, rain, sleet and cold didn’t stop dozens of Wallowa County residents from attending the 7th Annual Embers Brew House Chili Cook-off on Saturday. The event was held on the deck outside Embers with 16 culinary artists plying their chili to the public.

The competitors vied for a $100 prize awarded by a panel of judges as well as a $50 prize for the People’s Choice award. The chili featured such original names as “Wild and Beasty” and “Boilermaker.” Appreciative attendees received generous samplings from the competitors.

At approximately 12:30 p.m. the judges handed down the verdict with Joanie Fluit’s “Spicy White Chili” getting the nod while Vikki Bennett’s “Wild and Beasty” won the People’s Choice award. Prizes were drawn for other competitors as well.

Fluit said she’s competed in the contest for five years and previously won the People’s Choice award.

Bennett’s award came with only two competitions under her belt. She named elk and buffalo as two ingredients of her chili, but wouldn’t reveal the other two “beasty” ingredients.

Embers owner Teresa Sajonia was very pleased with the turnout.

“We were up by three extra contestants this year, and everyone’s chili was fantastic,” Sajonia said. “I’m looking forward to next year and hope this continues to grow. It brings some hustle and bustle to break the winter doldrums.”