Hundreds came out to St. Thomas’ Brewers Beach on Sunday for great food, beverages, sun and music, all while raising money for a good cause.
Around 60 teams brought their favorite renditions of Texas-style chili, whether beef or vegetarian. This year, they also added a “Salsa Challenge.” Organizers said fresh salsa is a perfect compliment to the spicy chili recipes being served by local and visiting cooks.
For more than three decades, the Texas Society of the Virgin Islands has hosted the fundraiser, raising thousands of dollars for charities across St. Thomas and two scholarships to the University of the Virgin Islands.
Leslie Thompson, winner of this year’s traditional beef chili category, will get a free round-trip for two to Terlingua, Texas to represent the USVI at the International Chili Championship in November.
Here are this year’s winners:
Beef chili
1. Leslie Thompson
2. Claire Chapman
3. Nora Chapman
4. Jasper Templeton
5. Doug Campbell – Ship VI chili
6. James Jamison
7. Heidi Taylor
8. Carolyn Smith
9. Laura Jamison
10. Kathy McAllister
Veggie chili
1. Erin Flynn
2.Donald Pomeranz Pomerosa Chili
3. Heidi Erwig
Salsa
1. Laura Jamison
2. Thorsten Fahnert
3. Ronald Gause
Large Show
1. Heidi’s Honeymoon Grill
2. Pro Solar Spicy Solar Chili
3. Metro Motors
Small Show
Pomerosa Chili
Taco Chelles
Denise Fraguela Real Estate