ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The 25th annual Chili Festival made its return to Ithaca on Saturday, March 4th. While the weather was not ideal, many people showed up to try a variety of chili dishes (recipes)?. 

“A little bit, yes. But you know it is a perfect time to get some warm, fulfilling chili. The cooler temperatures never hurt for that,” said Darlene Wilber, Communications Director for Ithaca Downtown Alliance.  

One vendor, is looking to take home the gold for the third year in a row. The Seabring Inn did not have the festival’s special food on their menu until they realized their love for Chili. 

“It has managed to win the last two years. You know we got our trophy over there. And we are hoping for a three-peat, but if it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen,” said Jordan Rosenbaum, owner of Seabring Inn.  

Even some local law students put down their textbooks for a change of scenery. 

“I think we are just excited to warm ourselves up with some chili,” said Kaitlyn Greenberg.  

 

Some of Sunday's Chili Cook-Off Winners have been announced, and they are:

Juries Group Best Meat Chili: 

1st Statler Hotel  

2nd Revelry Yards and 3 

3rd Cornell Fraternity Chi Phi

Best Vegan/Vegetarian Chili: 

1st Viva Taqueria 

2nd College Town Bagels 

3rd Hound and Mare   

 

The People's Choice Winner is Bickerning Twins followed by:

2nd Hotel Ithaca

3rd Simeon's

 

Best presentation winner is Antlers followed by:

2nd Reverly Yards

3rd Moosewood Restaurant

 

The festival ran throughout the snowy afternoon and the People's Choice Winner has been announced on Tuesday, March 7th.