With a name like Winterfest, you've got to expect a certain amount of snow and cold in Hanover Square for the annual Chili Cook-Off.
This year, though, this February, though, this past weekend, though ... The big break in Syracuse's weather Saturday brought the temperature way up to almost 20 degrees.
As the cooks stirred the pots early Saturday afternoon -- and nine groups entered the popular cooking competition -- snow fell steadily, dozens of people walked from tent to tent sniffing the aroma of chili-on-the-make, and more ducked into the bars that flanked the square. That's where not only warm awaited, but also the ongoing exploits of the Syracuse University men's basketball team, which was battling Pittsburgh in a noon start in the Carrier Dome.
Some chili lovers wore costumes adorned with chili peppers and beads and more, and they stopped to cheer on their favorite chili-makers.
At Hellfire Barbecue, the foursome of Mary Dalglish, Chris Watson, Bob Papaleoni and
Robin Papaleoni were stirring a big pot, and they were not covered by an awning like many of the other competitors.
"We're going for first place in our year two," Dalglish said. "Last year we won the Chowder Cook-off. But we're trying to learn from our ouster from the Chili."
Too cold?
"Nah," said Bob Papaleoni. "It's been warmer than it's been in two weeks."
Inside Wild Will's, immediately across Water Street from the Cook-Off, visitors who drove from Pennsylvania for Winterfest's final weekend said it was colder than they expected. As Syracuse fans were vainly rooting for the Orange to pull even in the last minute against the Panthers -- an effort that fell short by the count of 65-61 -- they started cheering "Pennsylvania in the house! Pennsylvania in the house!" One fan shouted "Wilkes-Barre" while another answered "Scranton." Syracusans seemed unperturbed toward the out-of-staters but disappointed about the moving pick called against Rakeem Christmas.
When the winners of the Chili Cook-Off were announced after judging, Syracuse Suds Factory was the champion, and Up in Smoke won the People's Choice award.
Snow fell, and the digital time-and-temp on the AXA Tower on Warren Street flashed 16 degrees.
Meanwhile, my robust group of friends had brought a generator and charcoal grills for hours of outdoor celebrating in the parking lot across Erie Boulevard for their annual Martinfest. That's the party where there's tailgating with the enthusiasm of a football game. Without the football game, of course.
You can read about that and see my pictures at markbialczak.com.