Attendance was strong at Saturday's boilo and chili competition held in Tamaqua despite a snowstorm.

The Third Annual Boilo and Chili Cook-Off to benefit the Carbon-Tamaqua Unit of the American Cancer Society took place at East End Fire Company in partnership with American Hose Company of Tamaqua.The Judges Award for tradition boilo and the People's Choice Award were captured by Adam Smarr. The Specialty Boilo Award went to Ed Smith for a peach-flavored entry.The People's Choice Award was won by Jared Soto.Boilo is a typically alcoholic yuletide cocktail that has been a household staple for more than a century, sipped warm or hot to celebrate the holidays and ward off winter's chill.The Judges Award for traditional chili and the People's Choice Award for chili were won by Tracey Taras. The Specialty Chili Award went to Joe Smarr, and the People's Choice Award was captured by Jake Bobick, for his chili recipe using bear meat.The fundraiser, hosted for many years at The Sports Zoo, Lansford, has raised $2,500 or more each year.The event will be the subject of a Spotlight story in Saturday's Times News.