Interview: Jeremiah Papineau talks results for 24th annual North Country Chili Cook Off

WATERTOWN- Another North Country Chili Cook Off is in the books. 

The Volunteer Transportation Center hosted the return of the in-person portion of its 24th annual major fundraiser Saturday, Feb. 25, drawing hundreds to the Dulles State Office Building in Watertown.

2023 marked the competition’s first year back to its traditional in-person format since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

The event — which raises money for the Volunteer Transportation Center to fund crucial transportation to medical appointments and grocery shopping trips for local veterans and their families — is estimated to have raised more than $30,000, returning to pre-pandemic fundraising levels.

“When we looked around and saw all the smiling faces, seeing everyone enjoying the chili, it was a great feeling,” said spokesperson Jeremiah Papineau.

“Even though we’ve enjoyed the modified format we’ve done the past few years, we’ve all missed seeing each other in person. I can’t truly put it into words.”

This year’s in-person event saw 17 teams participate, including a mix of professional and amateur teams.

For more coverage, be sure to listen to our latest on-air report with Mr. Papineau:

You can also check out the latest cook off results online.

Image via the Volunteer Transportation Center.