By Andrew Kiritsy – The Friends of the Blue Hills
This past Tuesday, February 28th, marked the inauguration of what proved to be an exciting tradition for Friends of the Blue Hills: our first ever Winter Fest at the Blue Hill Ski Area. Not even the lack of snow could keep away some of the more dedicated skiers and boarders who were treated to discounted skiing for the night – not to mention the host of great events we had going on inside the lodge. Between the chili cook-off, foot stompin’ Irish music compliments of Songs for Ceilidh and beer tasting from our friends at Blue Hills Brewery, there were plenty of options to keep everyone happy and well-fed.
Representative Timilty, Selectman Bob Sweeney, and Chief Richard Wells
Turnout was incredible, as over 100 of participants cast their votes for their favorite Chili recipes from Seema’s in Norwood, Hyde Restaurant in Hyde Park, and Dane Tullock from cooking website, Cooking in the Great Outdoors. It was a close competition, but we had two great winners. The hungry crowd voted with their spoons and ballots for Seema’s, while our distinguished judges Rep Walter Timilty, Milton Selectman Robert Sweeney and Milton Police Chief Richard Wells favored Hyde’s vegetarian chili.
We were also thrilled to welcome Matt ‘Twig’ Largess to the Blue Hills as he led over two dozen eager hikers on a guided hike to the Blue Hills Observatory for a rare nighttime view of the Blue Hills.
Alysa Buchanan with Malachi and Phineas
A big thank you to everyone who turned out for the event. Plus many thanks to Blue Hill Ski Area (may next year bring more snow for you!), Seema’s (1275 Boston Providence Highway,Norwood) Hyde Restaurant, 5 Fairmount Avenue Hyde Park and Cooking in the Great Outdoors.