Outside temperatures remained low all weekend but the Big Lake Fire Station was warm and cozy Saturday afternoon as residents gathered for the third annual Chili Feed and Cookoff, which benefits the Big Lake Food Shelf. In spite of a power outage, the event went on with help from the department’s emergency generator, reported Firefighter Jason Smith, who chaired the event. “We had approximately 175 people,” Smith said. “We raised $1,200 in cash and about 150 pounds of food for the Big Lake Food Shelf.” Besides chili, bread and all the fixings, hot dogs were available for an extra $1. There was coffee, lemonade and orange juice to drink and pop for sale. “None of it is spicy enough,” joked Chris Chudy, who grew up in the south. “I like it really hot,” he said. There was plenty of chili to sample. Fourteen people entered the chili cookoff contest, which was judged by some of the retired firefighters. Chili cook off entrants were Seth Hansen, Chris Brezinka, Ryan Hanson, Ken Halverson, Amanda Jensen, Anthony Elavsky, Laura Hayes, Neil Milberger, Mary McKie, Nick Fiester, Denise Kurowski, Brian Kurowski, Nicole Kurowski and Norb Vossen First place went to Norb Vossen. Second place went to Ken Halverson. Third place went to Amanda Jensen. New this year was a people’s vote award, which was won by Neil Milberger. All the prizewinners are Big Lake residents. “I would like to say a big thank you to all the people who helped with setting up and the chili feed and all the people who came.” said Smith. “Also a big thank you to a few anonymous large cash donations,” Smith said. “And thank you to Audio Communications and Mr. and Mrs. Jensen for generous prize donations. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year.”