Boilo, a Coal Region classic, helps raise funds for Cancer Society – Times News

Published March 04. 2024 10:30AM

by JAMES LOGUE JR. Tneditor@tnonline.com

The East End Fire Company in Tamaqua hosted the 10th Annual Chili and Boilo Cookoff at the fire company on Broad Street on Saturday.

Volunteers from the fire companies in Tamaqua joined forces to host the event. All money raised goes to the Carbon/Tamaqua unit of the American Cancer Society. Their slogan is “Coming Together for a Cause.”

“We figure we’ve raised over $50,000 over the past 10 years,” event coordinator Art Connely said.

In addition to the chili and the boilo, a number of raffles and 50/50 drawings were held to raise money.

The competition featured entries in Traditional and Specialty Chili, and Traditional and Specialty Boilo.

Chili entries featured mild and hot, chili made from beef and chicken, with various toppings and sides.

Boilo is a traditional alcoholic drink from the Coal Region of northeastern and east central Pennsylvania. The traditional version features citrus fruits, herbs and spices, and some other ingredients, with an alcohol base. Some of the specialty versions included caramel apple, root beer, blueberry, and orange creamsicle.

The public paid an entry fee, then could sample the various chili and boilo entries, then vote on their favorites.

The winners were:

• Judges Award for Traditional Boilo, Ed Pollack;

• Judges Award for Specialty Boilo, Tom Splane;

• Judges Award for Traditional Chili, Mark McCarroll;

• Judges Award for Specialty Chili, Sharon Connely;

• Peoples Choice Award for Traditional Boilo, Tom McCarroll;

• Peoples Choice Award for Specialty Boilo, Tom McCarroll;

• Peoples Choice Award for Traditional Chili, Mark McCarroll;

• Peoples Choice Award for Specialty Chili, Sharon Connely.

Sharon Connely and Tara Titus, both of Tamaqua, prepare their chili entries. JAMES LOGUE JR./SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS

Mark McCarroll, Tamaqua, stirs his entry in the Traditional Chili competition.

Patti Ramer, left, of Barnesfield, and her son, B.J. Ramer, with their entry in the Boilo competition.

Chili and Boilo Competition winners, from left: Tom McCarroll, Peoples Choice, Traditional and Specialty Boilo; Sharon Connely, Judges Award and Peoples Choice, Specialty Chili; Mark McCarroll, Judges Award and Peoples Choice, Traditional Chili; Tom Splane and Raven Walker, Judges Award, Specialty Boilo. For a photo gallery, see tnonline.com. JAMES LOGUE JR./SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS