Sun, 02/03/2019 - 8:15am

Erica Thoms

Carolyn Steeves (left) and Eryn Thostenson (right) man the entry booth for the Waldo County YMCA. Paul Abbott said he uses three types of meat and three types of peppers in his chili. (photo by Erica Thoms)

Jake Grass represented Delvinos in the competition and said their chili has “more of a Caribbean flair,” with jerk seasoning and pork. (photo by Erica Thoms)

Paul Abbott said he uses three types of meat and three types of peppers in his chili. (photo by Erica Thoms)

Jared Colson and Belle Ryan were last year’s Chili Cook-Off champions and said they really can’t say what their seasonings are. “We’re sworn to secrecy,” Ryan joked. Colson said their chili has a “good balance of sweet and spicy. (photo by Erica Thoms)

Colson poses with last year’s trophy. (photo by Erica Thoms)

Shawn Stemp left) and Nick Andrei (right) were at the event representing Husson University and said their chili is sweet and smoky. They said the chili was made by a chef who was unable to attend the competition. (photo by Erica Thoms)

Gary Frost (left) and Dakota Walker (right) represented Front Street Pub and said their chili has a lot of organic ingredients, as well as stout beer. Frost said most of the ingredients were purchased at the Belfast Co-op. (photo by Erica Thoms)

Emily Berry (left) and Bob Waldron (right) said their chili is made with two kinds of pork, including bacon, as well as chicken, steak, and nine varieties of peppers. “We’re hoping to unseat the champs,” Waldron said, gesturing toward cook-off neighbor Jarod Colson. Waldron said the two became friends during last year’s competition. (photo by Erica Thoms)

Jill Artkop serves some of her chili to a taste-tester. (photo by Erica Thoms)

(photo by Erica Thoms)

Jill Artkop (center) poses with her children MiKayla (left) and Riley (right). Artkop said this is her first time at the cook-off and that she was inspired to enter by her love of cooking. “I don’t care if I win, it’s just getting my name out there,” she said. She said her children are her biggest helpers. (photo by Erica Thoms)

(photo by Erica Thoms)

A list of the teams that competed in the cornhole tournament. (photo by Erica Thoms)

(photo by Erica Thoms)

Beverages, including wine and beer, were also available at the event. (photo by Erica Thoms)

Waterfall Arts provided a craft station for kids (and adults) to create paper snowflakes. (photo by Erica Thoms)

(photo by Erica Thoms)

Bridget Matros, of Waterfall Arts, said she was hoping to get 100 snowflakes created, a feat she had accomplished by early Saturday afternoon. (photo by Erica Thoms)

(photo by Erica Thoms)

Skating at Belfast’s public rink is another winter activity available to those who can brave the cold. (photo by Erica Thoms)

(photo by Erica Thoms)

Jake Grass represented Delvinos in the competition and said their chili has “more of a Caribbean flair,” with jerk seasoning and pork. (photo by Erica Thoms)

Paul Abbott said he uses three types of meat and three types of peppers in his chili. (photo by Erica Thoms)

Colson poses with last year’s trophy. (photo by Erica Thoms)

Jill Artkop serves some of her chili to a taste-tester. (photo by Erica Thoms)

(photo by Erica Thoms)

A list of the teams that competed in the cornhole tournament. (photo by Erica Thoms)

(photo by Erica Thoms)

Beverages, including wine and beer, were also available at the event. (photo by Erica Thoms)

Waterfall Arts provided a craft station for kids (and adults) to create paper snowflakes. (photo by Erica Thoms)

(photo by Erica Thoms)

Bridget Matros, of Waterfall Arts, said she was hoping to get 100 snowflakes created, a feat she had accomplished by early Saturday afternoon. (photo by Erica Thoms)

(photo by Erica Thoms)

Skating at Belfast’s public rink is another winter activity available to those who can brave the cold. (photo by Erica Thoms)

(photo by Erica Thoms)

BELFAST — Belfast’s second annual Winter Whoopla Celebration saw an active second day on Saturday, Feb. 2, with a variety of activities available to participants, both indoors and outside.

Friday’s events included a formal Ice Ball, which was held at the Wentworth Center and featured live music and a formal dinner and dance. There was a teen night at the United Farmer’s Market, which included nerf battles, dance contests, music, and refreshments. Winter games were available for families at the public ice rink, which is located behind Waterfall Arts.

Saturday held the largest number of activities with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. For hardier individuals, there were sledding, games, and snow sculptures in Belfast Commons, in addition to ice skating at the public rink, and snowshoeing and cross country skiing on the Rail Trail.

Those in search of cozier entertainment could choose from free movies at Colonial Theatre and kids arts and crafts at United Farmers Market.

While there are always plenty of options for refreshments and food at the farmers market, the Winter Whoopla Chili Cook-Off, and Corn-Hole Tournament provided a less common way to spend a frigid afternoon.

Seven teams competed in the chili cook-off, all with their own closely guarded secret ingredients. While some chose more traditional takes on the classic Superbowl side-dish, others aimed for more unusual flavor profiles.

Taste-testers, who ultimately decided the winning chili, paid $10 for their chance to sample the offerings, while the cost to enter the cornhole tournament was $30 per team. There were also beverages, including a variety of beer, available for those looking for something to accompany their chili.

The Saturday portion of the event also included a cabin fever sale involving participating downtown businesses, and a Christmas tree bonfire.

For those that missed Saturday or those who wish to extend their Whoopla merriment through the duration of the weekend, there are a number of events scheduled to take place Sunday.

These events include a pancake breakfast at the United Farmers Market, games and live action combat demos at the Boathouse and The Game Loft, and ice skating at the public rink. There is also a guided walk and birdwatching on the rail trail, as well as snowshoeing and cross country skiing.

More information about Sunday’s events.

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com