Boilo, a Coal Region classic, helps raise funds for Cancer Society
The East End Fire Company in Tamaqua hosted the 10th Annual Chili and Boilo Cookoff at the fire company on Broad Street on Saturday.
Volunteers from the fire companies in Tamaqua joined forces to host the event. All money raised goes to the Carbon/Tamaqua unit of the American Cancer Society. Their slogan is “Coming Together for a Cause.”
“We figure we’ve raised over $50,000 over the past 10 years,” event coordinator Art Connely said.
In addition to the chili and the boilo, a number of raffles and 50/50 drawings were held to raise money.
The competition featured entries in Traditional and Specialty Chili, and Traditional and Specialty Boilo.
Chili entries featured mild and hot, chili made from beef and chicken, with various toppings and sides.
Boilo is a traditional alcoholic drink from the Coal Region of northeastern and east central Pennsylvania. The traditional version features citrus fruits, herbs and spices, and some other ingredients, with an alcohol base. Some of the specialty versions included caramel apple, root beer, blueberry, and orange creamsicle.
The public paid an entry fee, then could sample the various chili and boilo entries, then vote on their favorites.
The winners were:
• Judges Award for Traditional Boilo, Ed Pollack;
• Judges Award for Specialty Boilo, Tom Splane;
• Judges Award for Traditional Chili, Mark McCarroll;
• Judges Award for Specialty Chili, Sharon Connely;
• Peoples Choice Award for Traditional Boilo, Tom McCarroll;
• Peoples Choice Award for Specialty Boilo, Tom McCarroll;
• Peoples Choice Award for Traditional Chili, Mark McCarroll;
• Peoples Choice Award for Specialty Chili, Sharon Connely.