Scratch Kitchen and Catering wins top prize at Newport Chili Cool-Off (Photo provided by Newport Winter Festival)

The chilly weather didn’t keep hundreds from getting out to enjoy the Chili Cook-Off at the Newport Marriot Saturday afternoon, February 15. Large crowds gathered to sample deliciuous chili from over a dozen local establishments. With snowflakes in the forecast, tasters were in great spirits as Newporters and visitors alike began to emerge from their winter slumber.

Attendees voted for their favorite chili and this year’s winner was Scratch Kitchen & Catering, unseating last year’s champion, the Newport Fire Department, who came in second place this year. Rounding out the top three was Skiff Bar from host hotel, the Newport Marriot.

The annual Winter Fstival runs through February 24. Click here for a full schedule. Meanwhile, check out some photos of the event from What’s Up Newp Lifestyle Editor Ken Abrams.

Lifestyle Editor Ken Abrams writes about music, the arts and more for What'sUpNewp. He is also an Editor and Writer for Hey Rhody Media. Ken DJ's "The Kingston Coffeehouse," a roots/folk/rock radio show every Tuesday, 6-9 PM on WRIU 90.3 FM. He is a former educator in the Scituate, RI school system where he taught Social Studies for over 30 years. He is on the board of the Rhode Island Folk Festival and Newport Live (formerly Common Fence Music), a non-profit that brings diverse musical acts to...