It isn't very often that one gets to help organize an event that not only provides an enjoyable evening but also raises awareness AND money for an important local charity--The Sunshine Backpack Food Program. Over $1,800 was raised for this important program. Even bigger is that this money is going to build next year's budget!
Here is the recipe for success: Invite people and local businesses to cook their favorite chili or chowder; solicit beer donations from Maine craft brewers for the beer tasting; have the powerful musical trio of Jed Wilson, Dave Kobrenski and Craig Bryan play, have the accomplished local bakers donate cookies, pies and bread and set-up tables and chairs for people to enjoy the evening. Thank you very much to the Lovell VFW for the use of their facilities.
This year's BOWLS & BREWS had close to an equal mix of chili and chowder entries. All of them were outstanding! There are two categories of winners. Judges and Peoples Choice. The first place winners are awarded a specially designed apron created by students at the Molly Ockett School in Fryeburg.
Janice Sage, Mark Moulton, Bob Drew and Ethel Hurst were this year's judges. Very hard work but they never complained and did a terrific job! The attendance for this year's event was probably double the number of last year. That created a lot of extra ballot counting for Jeanne Bonner and Sue Hamlin.
Exciting news for next year's event! The Lodge at Pleasant Point has agreed to host the 2020 Bowls and Brews! See you there next November!
Here are the winners:
Judges Choice for Chowder:
1) Pleasant Point Inn; 2) Paula Hughes; 3) TIE--Melissa Holden and Meg Dyer
Judges Choice for Chili:
1) Shelley Pilsbury/ KLWA; 2) Tom Hughes; 3) Stephen James
Peoples Choice for Chowder:
1) Pleasant Point Inn; 2) Jean Hunter; 3) AMC--Pinkhan Notch
Peoples Choice for Chili:
1) Stephen James; 2) Tom Hughes; 3) Shelley Pilsbury/KLWA
