2012 Soup and Chowder Challenge Winners

Roughly 125 people packed Trinity Episcopal Church on Saturday for the third annual Soup and Chowder Challenge, which featured numerous soups and chowders made by area residents and businesses.

Patrice Wood won first place and the "People's Choice" award in the soup category, taking home two coveted soup trophy mugs and bragging rights until next year's challenge. Hoaty's took second place in the category, while Barbara Hall came in third.

Heidi Gannon won the chowder category, edging out second-place 401 Tavern and third-place Louise Bridle. The 401 Tavern won the chowder "People's Choice" award.

The event annually serves as a competitive benefit for Hobbs House and the Hobbs House Food Pantry, as well as Village Preschool. Organizer Rusty Bridle said $475 was raised for Hobbs House and $500 was for raised for Village Preschool, not including a $4,000 donation made by 401 Tavern owner Desi Lanio.

Many residents posted on Facebook they had a "great" time during Saturday's event because of the cause. Deb Littlefield wrote that "All were winners if you ask me!" while others said there were "so many" outstanding soups and chowders.

"Rich and I had fun and we loved everything! It was so difficult to narrow it down to one soup and one. Chowder." wrote Nita Niemczyk.