There was plenty of buzz going around Boonedocks about all the delicious chili’s, but the one cooked up by Glen Lake food service professionals stole the show.
With so many foodies in attendance, who would’ve thought an institution would win?
“It’s all about the community. That’s what’s more important ... It’s a great place. People just love, look forward to it, getting out and seeing everybody,” Boonedocks owner Stephanie Ewing said.
Boonedocks owners Bob and Stephanie Ewing celebrated 25 years of the event that brings the community out in droves.
More than 800 ballots were submitted for voting and the fundraising event racked in roughly $9,000.
“We are thrilled we won and represented our school well,” Glen Lake food service’s Mindy Hawley said.
Glen Lake has never won a first place title during Winterfest with its best finish of fifth place happening in 2023.
Glen Lake made a delicious smoked brisket chili (in-house). Laker Food Service Director Johnathon Field and Mindy Hawley brined the brisket overnight, and then made a chili paste from dried chili. On the day of the competition, Glen Lake added tortilla chips and sour cream to spice things up.
“We worked at building flavors all week,” Hawley said. “We were trying to win ... the camaraderie with all the restaurants that was there and seeing the kids that were going to most likely benefit was awesome. It was a party. Everyone came out, it seemed.”
Winterfest benefits students of Glen Lake in the form of scholarships.
Other contestants in the chili cook-off included: Glen Lake Marine; Boonedocks 2; Alpers Excavating; Good Harbor Grill; Ed & Irene Fleis Education Foundation; Shipwreck Cafe; Arts Tavern; Leelanau Coffee Roasters; Mel and Fell; Anderson’s Market; M-22 Clinic; Cherry Republic.
Ewing and Jon Velis started the Winterfest in February of 2000. Ewing and Velis started the chili cook off as a scholarship fundraiser for Glen Lake seniors.
Jump to page 15 for photos of the event.
Photos from the event can be found on next page.
