Last Saturday, the Lloyd Chili Fest returned to the Highland Rotary Pavilion. Hudson Valley Rail Trail President Peter Bellizzi said the last Chili Fest took place in 2019, “and then covid hit in 2020.”

Bellizzi said the Rail Trail sponsors the event, which has taken place more than 20 times.

“We work with various volunteers such as the Highland Rotary Club who help out with serving and the Scouts and others also help out,” he said.

Bellizzi said this year 14 entered their chili dishes in the fest.

“Each have their own style and you never know what you’ll get until you taste it,” he said. “It’s a good turnout and it’s not about making money, it’s about giving the public something to do in the winter.”

The entry fees for the chili and the modest $2 fee for the public goes to the Rail Trail, “just covers our costs, that’s all.”

Cory’s Sugar Shack and From the Ground Up tied for 3rd Place; Sal’s Place came in 2nd and Milanese came in 1st Place.