The Rockland Eagles pulled off an awesome Chowder, Chili competition this past Saturday in the comfortable confines of their posh members lounge. Nearly twenty pros and joes paid the twenty five dollar entry and fee and showed up with at least 6 quarts of their finest fare. The sampling table stretched the entire length of the main wall displaying a bastion of secret chili and chowder recipes along with the hopes and dreams of the culinary contestants.

Iron Eagle Eddie Borges helps sling some samples. Notice Ed Reid of the Banner Irish Pub's promised famous chili entry, bottom right in the picture.

Hundreds of Rocklandites filled the old Bigelo Mansion to judge the competition. Each guest was given a red ticket and a white ticket. After sampling all the offerings guest were asked to write the number of their favorite selections of chowder on the white ticket and chili on the red ticket. All the offerings were outstanding making picking a winner a daunting task.

Rockland Town administrator Allan "Ooka" Chiocca always draws a crowd. Lion Pat Foley was a little disappointed when Chiocca introduced the new president and vice president of his vast fan club at the event.

Every Member Owes At Least One New Member To His Aerie Every Year

Rep Bob Nyman and Senator Mike Morrisey came out for the event. Both men have been members and staunch supporters of the Rockland Eagles for decades. When Morrisey was asked which chowder he liked best Mike quickly responded "the one with the most pork."

A great time was had by all.

 The gruesum buffalo wing eating contest was a sight to see!

Along with the Chili and chowder competition was the hot wings eating contest, an outdoor horse shoe competition and a beer guzzling competition. Turtle Jack Murphy is always the one to beat in any eating competition. Jack might have won this time also had he only known that contestants didn't have to eat the entire chicken wing. Nursdee (right) sprang into action to dislodge three chicken wing bones that became stuck in Murphy's throat.

Your 2010 hot wing champion!

The beer guzzling competition was a big hit. No surprise when Mauler won this one.

Die Hard shoe throwers braved the sub zero wind chills to compete for the Skizoid Horse shoe cup

Many Eagle's members noted this as the most packed they'd ever seen the members lounge. 

The Chili Chowder competition drew in young and old alike. 

Everyone wants their picture taken with these Rockvegas power brokers. As is always the case, Rep Bob Nyman is swarmed like a rock star where ever he appears.

The good the bad and the ugly. The former Rockvegas Chowder King came up empty this day but vows to return next year and take back his crown.

Along with cash prizes were these fantastic raffle baskets. The Eagles raised an additional five hundred dollars selling chances for them. The ashtray basket (bottom right) is as of today still unclaimed.

Jamie and team won big with her fantastic Corn chowder.

Big Bill Lynwood took third place in the chili competition with a fantastic entry using four different home grown peppers from the garden.

When all the votes were counted and results announced, Rockvegas Wear Gaurd legend Mike Campanile took home plenty of cash prizes and trophies. Campanile was a last minute entry who said he did not expect to win against the incredibly tough competition. Campanile won awards in both the chili and the chowder catergories.

Event organizer Paul "Smoke Off" Milan helps new grand champion Rob Stickyfingerssmoketeam display his new trophies. Sticky fingers won best over all chili and chowder.  Two thumbs up.

Jamie Kasnik took second place in the chowder with a unique Buffalo Chicken Chowder.

Event organizers Dan Cronin, Paul Milan and Tony Chambers with the help of dozens of Eagles pulled off a flawless first annual Chili Chowder competition at the Rockland Eagles. The guys put in hundreds of hours and planned everything through to perfection. Rocklandnews.com salutes Dan Paul and Tony for their selfless efforts in pulling this event off. They provided a fantastic day for all who attended and further exalted the good name of the Rockland Eagles. Special thanks to the entire Rockland Eagles club for their continuous contribution to all things Rockland and their outstanding hospitality shown at the Fist Annual Rockland Eagles Chili Chowder Competition.

Congratulations to Bob and Mike in winning this spectacular door prize.

 Special thanks to the lovely and gracious Tracy for taking all the pictures at this event.

The Rockland Eagles, Making Rockland a great place to eat.