NEWPORT — Newport’s Chilifest Cookoff Challenge this year was a success as people swarmed Main Street in search of the best chili and to view the Sidewalk Photo Show and custom scarecrows residents and businesses placed throughout Newport.
A crowd of over 300 people visited downtown Newport on Saturday to enjoy the Newport Fall Foliage Festival under blue skies and warm temperatures.
Vermont’s North Country Chamber of Commerce teamed with the City of Newport to sponsor the event, which included a Chilifest Cookoff contest, Scarecrow Contest, and sidewalk Photo Show competition.
The Newport City Police Department won the Silver Chili Bowl trophy for their Sweet Heat Beef Chili.
Tying for second place were the 3 Amigos from DPW, Moo 92 radio, and Rad Rags.
The Main Street Dugout was recognized for its innovative chocolate-infused chili recipe and Nathan St. George was mentioned for the family’s selection of meats in their chili.
Photo Contest winners were:
Home Sweet Home Category:
First Place: Indian Summers Walk, by Michaela Clark
Second Place: Vista Sunset, by Colleen Cole
Third Place: Autumn Gold, by Morgan Discoll
Living Color Category:
First Place: Clarabelle, by Michaela Clark
Second Place: Loon Family, by Torie Bingham
Third Place: Sunflower BEE-eauty, by Morgan Driscoll
Vermont Made Category:
First Place: Vermont Target Practise, by Michaela Clark
Second Place: Mother Nature in all her Glory, by Jodie Fields
Third Place: Rise & Shine, by Colleen Cole.
People’s Choice Category:
Autumn Splendor by Jackie Tollman.
Colorful scarecrows appeared all over Newport in the annual Scarecrow Contest.
Winners were:
Most Traditional: Pick & Shovel
Most Creative: Public Works, City of Newport
Most Colorful: Emily Pitts from the Pemberton Family
The festival ended Sunday with the Newport Rotary Club’s Rubber Ducky Race.
