A creative display for the recent Amherst Lions Club Fire & Ice Chili Cook-off entry from the Amherst Department of Public Works featured a full crock pot, orange road sign and a yellow caution signal. Courtesy photo by Luicie Hodgdon

AMHERST – An aromatic entry of “Intergalactic Chili” vied with “Salt Lake City Chili” in a savory battle within a retinue of 19 contenders sampled by an estimated 200 attendees at the Ninth Annual Fire & Ice Chili Cook-off hosted Feb. 7 by the Amherst Lions Club at Souhegan High School in Amherst.

“The chili that best spoke to judges with a beautiful presentation of garnished pepper and parsley was entered by perennial winner Bill Swift,” said Dan DeCourcey, a judge and pitmaster of the Up In Your Grill barbecue truck frequently parked on Daniel Webster Highway in Merrimack.

DeCourcey’s fellow judges included local foodie Chad Camirand and Amherst Police Chief Tony Ciampoli whose police department comfort dog, “Officer Berry,” was a major attraction for visitors.

Four categories at the cook-off drew scores of voters from the community and beyond. Saluted were contenders in People’s Choice category, Best Lions Club entry, Judges’ Choice division and a first-time category  – Public Service Heroes. Bragging rights and an engraved, hand-turned “Chili Master” wooden spoon were coveted awards for each division.

Locals Nancy Ferman and Kirk Rogers conquered People’s Choice with first-time entrant Eddie Barnes, a senior at Souhegan High School, voted a close second place. Judges cited the Amherst Lions Club and member Bruce Manchester as winning Best Lions Club Chili. Second place went to Hooksett Lions Club and its representative David Hutchinson.

The Amherst Lions Club Fire & Ice Chili Cook-off was highlighted by the presence of a young police dog, “Officer Berry,” the Amherst Police Department’s comfort dog. Courtesy photo by Luicie Hodgdon

Amherst’s Department of Public Works chili entry beat out both Amherst Fire Rescue and the Amherst Police entry to take the vote for the top Public Service Heroes category chili. Amherst Police were awarded the runner-up spot.

Event supporters were also treated to hot dogs, homemade cornbread, fizzy beverages and ice cream sundaes. The community service organization earmarks event proceeds for local charities and scholarships.

More information on membership and Amherst Lions Club activities can be found online: e-clubhouse.org/sites/amherstnh.

Amherst Lions Club Fire & Ice Chili Cook-off contender Richard Ball serves up some of his chili con pollo, a rendition that drew rave reviews from taste testers. Courtesy photo by Luicie Hodgdon

Noted here are event participants and award acceptees, from left, Amherst Police Chief Tony Ciampoli; Nancy Ferman; Kirk Rogers; Bruce Manchester; Eric Slosek; Bill Swift; David Hutchinson and Eddie Barnes, winners at the Ninth Annual Amherst Lions Club Fire & Ice Chili Cook-off. Courtesy photo by Luicie Hodgdon