Mount Clemens fifth annual
chili cook-off, ice festival
both a success

By Sarah Cormier
C & G Staff Writer

MOUNT CLEMENS — The successes of the fifth annual Fire & Ice Chili Cook-off & Pub Crawl, as well as the Ice Carving Show, both held Feb. 4-7 in downtown Mount Clemens, prove that both events are still as hot as they were the first year they were held.

Beginning on Feb. 4 with the Fire & Ice Chili Cook-off & Pub Crawl, dozens traveled from place to place sampling the different chili each participating bar or restaurant was serving. Patrons then voted for whichever establishment they felt was serving the best kind.

Paul Boone, owner of Orleans Billiards, which was the establishment that participants voted as having the best chili last year, said he was eager to be winner of the competition.

“It’s fun, it’s bragging rights. They have to put up with me for another year,” he said. “We definitely want to win again. We are very competitive here.”

Kelly McCormick, head chef at Bath City Bistro, said he used 30 pounds of ground beef to make his more than 10 gallons of chili. He personally served bowlfuls of the chili to customers, hoping he could win the competition this year.

“I hope the customers enjoy it, and the participants, and we’ll see what they say,” he said.

It was announced a few days later that Orleans Billiards had won the chili contest again. Second place winner was Bath City Bistro. Third place was earned by Madison’s Pub.

More importantly, the event raised just over $3,500 for two local charities, Turning Point and the Macomb Family YMCA.

“They are both located in Mount Clemens and they both serve the entire community,” explained Mount Clemens City Commissioner Matt Dreger as he headed from place to place, sampling the chili.                  

Clinton Township resident Linda McInerney said she has attended the chili cook-off for two years now and really likes the event.

“We had a great time,” she said. “You get to see all of the establishments in Mount Clemens, and meet the people and have good chili and good company, and it’s fun.”

Chesterfield Township resident Billie Ryntz said that she looks forward to hanging out with friends when she and her husband come to the event.

“I really had a good time last year,” she said. “I don’t get out that much and my husband and I, we look forward to coming out here every year.”

On Feb. 5-7, the annual Mount Clemens Ice Carving Show took place, allowing locals to view dozens of ice sculptures sponsored by local businesses set up along Macomb Place and Cherry Street Mall. Students of the Macomb Culinary Institute made the ice sculptures.

Mount Clemens City Commissioner Jack Johns said events like the chili cook-off and ice festival can really help Mount Clemens businesses.

“It’s really a great time for folks that live in different communities to come out and see what Mount Clemens has to offer,” he said. “Just spending just a few dollars at all of these establishments keeps these places running as long as people come out and visit.”