TOWNSEND – Seven chili entries competed for top honors as 69 tasters gathered at Townsend Town Hall on Saturday, Oct. 10, for the 2026 Lakewood Townsend Chili Cook-Off. The event benefited the Lakewood Townsend Community Ambulance Service (LTCAS).

Roger Geiger earned first place with entry No. 1, “Tangy Chili.” He received a chili cook-off apron, the Golden Ladle trophy and a $25 gift card donated by Pintsch’s Hardware.

Dale Szyszkiewicz took second place with entry No. 2, “Good Chili,” receiving a $25 gift card donated by Green Banana. Todd Yingling placed third with entry No. 7, “Red Fury Chili,” and received a $15 gift card donated by Karla’s Kitchen.
Other entries included “Mild/Spicy Chili,” “Spicy Bloody Mary Chili,” “Pineapple Chili” and “Dad’s Chili,” entered in memory of Tom Dunn. Together, the seven recipes gave tasters a variety of flavors to sample.

Beyond the chili competition, attendees enjoyed coloring pages and a “Guess How Many Candies Are in the Jar” game, adding to the event’s family-friendly atmosphere.

Organizers thanked the chili cooks, tasters, volunteers and local businesses whose participation and prize donations helped make the cook-off possible while supporting local emergency medical services.

The next Lakewood Townsend Chili Cook-Off is planned for October 2027. Anyone interested in entering a chili is encouraged to watch for event flyers or contact the Lakewood Townsend Community Ambulance Service for additional information.

LTCAS provides ambulance service at the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician level to the Lakewood and Townsend communities.

Roger Geiger displays his Golden Ladle trophy and champion apron after winning first place with “Tangy Chili” at the Oct. 10 Lakewood Townsend Chili Cook-Off, benefiting the Lakewood Townsend Community Ambulance Service.

Photo Credit: Bob Strazishar

Published on: Oct 18, 2026 at 1:36 pm