It’s Official… and the winners of the NJ state Chili Cook are…
TOMS RIVER, NJ, May 20, 2006- Downtown Toms River is happy to announce this years Chili and Salsa winners competing at the 17th Annual NJ State Chili & Salsa Cook off on Saturday, May 20 from 11am to 5 pm along Washington Street. The smell of chili and salsa were in the air, while the sun shone brightly over the central business district area today in Downtown Toms River.

For only seven-dollars per person, festival goers tasted samples from more than 65 cooks competing in the Peoples Choice Chili and Salsa competitions. The public then votes for their favorite chili and salsa. Cooks came from all over the Northeast, including New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, Pennsylvania and more! Another portion of today’s cook off was sanctioned by the International Chili Society (ICS) whose competitors competed for the Best ICS Red Chili, ICS Chili Verde, and ICS Salsa categories.

Over $4,100 in cash prizes were awarded to the winners along with beautiful trophies given by Chairperson Linda Cronk, of WJRZ and Audrey Falkowski, Chief scorekeeper of the ICS organization. Chief Judge in the ICS competition was Steve Falkowski, 1997 World Champion! Some of the names of today’s chili’s include Charlie’s Cherokee Chili, Bucks Blend, Two Teachers Chili, The Firm 4 chili, Heaven Scent Salsa and Chili, plus Dragon Breath and Chili Willie Chili just to name a few!

This years ICS winners are as follows; ICS Red Chili, first place Judy Omerza awarded a cash prize of $1,500, second place Rich Omerza, awarded $500, third place Doug Johnson, awarded $200, fourth place Ghon Eckley, and fifth place Stephen Moir both awarded trophies. ICS Chili Verde winners include; first place Chuck Hoff, awarded $300, second place Dan Bauer, and third place Kim Eckley both awarded trophies. ICS Salsa winners; first place Kim Eckley awarded $100, second place Judy Omerza, and third place Jim Heywood both awarded trophies. Best Booth and Showmanship winner, for the third year in a row, was Mike Piserchia and team, awarded a trophy. All of the ICS first place winners are invited to compete in the 2006 World Championships in Omaha Nebraska later this year representing New Jersey.

This years Peoples choice winners are as follows; Peoples Choice Chili first place goes to two-time winner Matt Crossken, awarded $1,000, second place David Guerin, and third place Lester Berry both awarded trophies. Peoples Choice Salsa first place goes to Jeff Cousminer, awarded $500, second place Wayne Smith, and third place Stephen Moir both awarded trophies.

While the chili was hot, hot, hot, Washington Street was also feeling the heat with live sounds of Bocci & the Bad Boys, a popular group performing classic rock hits, R& B and danceable tunes. Still Small Voice also took center stage. Other entertainment included a stilt walker, Spirits of the Old West shows, a strolling Dixieland Band, and for the real chili fans, chili eating contests for adults and kids alike.

Downtown Toms River (TRBID) produced the NJ State Chili and Salsa Cook off for its third time this year, but it is an old favorite, being the 17th year the event has been held downtown. “Today’s event is a perfect example of the spirit of downtown and what it has to offer,” observed TRBID Chairman Frank Capone. “It was a beautiful day, the crowd was happy, and we were ecstatic with the turnout and overall success of the event.”

For more information on Downtown Toms River, downtown events, or to become a volunteer at one of the fun events hosted annually, visit www.DowntownTomsRiver.com or call 732-341-8738.