On Saturday, October 15, the Patchogue Chamber of Commerce held their ninth annual Fall Festival.

It was an ideal autumn day, crisp and sunny, with multicolored leaves lining a Main Street which was bustling with revelers. The event was held in tandem with the illuminating Patchogue Arts Council MoCA Lights. This Fall festival tradition included one of the event’s highlights, the gustatory delight of the Chili & Chowder contest.

The good-natured competition between neighboring downtown venues was sure to keep patrons sated as they congregated in the heart of the village, while enjoying the other exciting activities where there was something for everyone. There was live entertainment from bands such as Lithium 5, a costume parade, pumpkin decorating by Patchogue-Medford Library, face painting, a petting zoo, bouncy houses, plus a popular new addition: a corn-hole tournament.

A performance of sonically dueling pianos was held in front of the Patchogue Theatre, featuring Jack Licitra.

Expanding all the way onto South Ocean Avenue from Main Street were a myriad of vendors, offering a variety of handmade and creative wares,.

With so many festivities, many in attendance still agreed that the Chili & Chowder contest took the cake as the most anticipated event and was certainly the most mouthwatering. The chili at each establishment had its own signature flair from sweet to spicy, to hearty to vegetarian, and more. After hot chili there was a selection of fall seasonal beers and cocktails, naturally with several pumpkin-flavored elixirs on tap to cool the tongue, after even the spiciest chili, and to cleanse the palate for the next one.

The chili contest included Arooga’s Impossibe chili, and many were shocked that it was plant-based, and that the ersatz Impossible meat really was indistinguishable from the genuine article. “It’s got a good heat, a kick,” said Rob Hart, who had no idea he was eating a vegetarian dish.

Another innovative entry was Del Fuego’s Spicy Fish Pepper Chili. “It’s really unique. It had a seafood taste. I like it. It’s a little bit different. It’s not just beef or turkey,” remarked Chris Iebba after savoring his batch. So far it was his favorite, but the day was young and there were still several other savory stops to make. “I’ve got to go to Rhum. I hear that was good,” he said of the establishment, which was serving up a creamy clam chowder and white bean chowder.

Dirty Taco entered the mix with a Mezcal Mole Turkey Chili. Tom Cataldo, owner, with his wife AnnMarie, explained what makes their selection special, “It’s the mole sauce, Mexican spicy chocolate sauce. It’s all fresh ingredients.”

Bobbique had a smoked Brisket Chili. Taster Joe Fasano said of the temperate, yet flavorful, fare, “It’s awesome. It’s not overly spicy. It’s very meaty, which is fantastic for a chili. They kept it warm even though I got here late. This is my fourth chili,” Fasano said adding that another standout for him was Whiskey Neat, which featured their Bobby’s Smoked Brisket chili.

The first place winner of the Chili Contest was Dirty Taco with 44 of the 103 votes!

In second place was Whiskey Neat, receiving 18 votes and in third place was That Meetball Place with 14 votes.

The first place winner of the Chowder Contest was Catch Oyster Bar, with 39 of the 96 ballots. This is their seventh win in the 9 years of this competition.

That Meetball Place received 16 votes for second place and Rhum earned 12 votes for third place.