The first annual Chili Cook-Off and Extreme Croquet Tourney for MS was a great success! You can check out photos from the Chili Cook-Off at http://goo.gl/5qqh4.

We had nine chili recipes to taste, including excellent pots from celebrity chefs Bill Patterson of Chimayo, Everett Brooks of Fire Smokehouse and Grill, Mia Kartiganer of Mia’s Cafe and Lisa Crowe of the Lower Tavern. It was a tough competition, but in the end Jazz Banducci took home the first place trophy with her vegetarian chili; Kylar Townsend came in second with his New Mexico white chili and Lola Pederson & Brandon Banducci came in third with their moose, tri-tip and ghost pepper chili. Thanks to all the community businesses that supported the event: Fire, Chimayo, Mia’s, The Lower, The Kitchen, Maple Rock Farm, Roses Bakery, Chappy’s Septic Service and Ace Hardware.

Despite the extreme nature of the croquet course, a hot day and too many yellowjackets, a few hardy players mastered the croquet course, with Elijah Byron taking home the first place trophy, followed by Jami Mitchell and Merrick Banducci. Thanks to Dave, River and John for providing beautiful live music, thanks to all of the chili tasters who joined us for the event and thanks to those who couldn’t but made a donation anyway. Special thanks to Gary Abood of Chappy’s Septic Service who not only donated the use of a port-a-pottie, but forgave us when an old cherry tree finally gave up its 100-year hold and fell on it the following morning.

We collected $1,245 for the National MS Society – and it’s not too late to make a donation (http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/SuzanneOlson). The ride is Sept. 10-11 and our families’ pedaling will be fueled by the grace of your generosity, support and love. Thank you for your support!

Suzanne and John Olson

Lola Pederson and Brandon Banducci

Orcas Island