ROCKLAND — Moose, venison, brisket, lobster, scallops and crab were just a few of the ingredients found in 15 entries for the Rockland Fire Department’s Chili Chowder Challenge held Jan. 5 at Trackside Restaurant in Rockland. The event took place from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Attendees sampled chili and chowders from entrants and then voted for their favorite. Entries from individuals and restaurants could be just chili or chowder, or both.

2014 winners for the Rockland Fire Department Chili Chowder Challenge were:

• Best Professional Chili: Trackside Restaurant

• Best Professional Chowder: The Lobster Shack

• Best Individual Chili: Jim Stone

• Best Individual Chowder: Chris Oliver

Rockland firefighter Carl Anderson, organizer of this year’s event, said the cook-off was the third for the fire department, with proceeds benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

“It’s usually the same time every year, usually shortly after the end of the year,” said Anderson. “This is the best turn out of the three years, not only with contestants and people attending, but people eating, as well. We’ve raised a little more than $5,000 the last two years, so we’re hoping to raise around $3,000 for this event. That would be a really big milestone for us.”

Anderson said it takes a lot of help to organize the event.

“Luckily I have help from all the guys at the fire department,” he said. “They all help me along and Muscular Dystrophy helps, as well. Trackside does am amazing job of helping us, too. Trackside has hosted us all three years and we hope they’ll continue for many years to come.”

The entrants were:

• The Lobster Shack
• Trackside Restaurant
• In Good Company
• Archer’s on the Pier
• Landings Rstaurant
• Jim Strong
• Chris Oliver
• Brass Compass
• Clan Mclaren
• The Chowder House
• Maynard Stanley
• Graffam Brothers Seafood

Charles Doherty, chef at Trackside, won first place in the professional category for his Choo Choo Chili, made with house ground brisket, kidney beans, a little bit of Allagash Black, Vermont Shed Beer, hand crushed tomatoes, onions, pablano chilies, garlic and topped with a little smoked cheddar and scallions.

The Lobster Shack, in Rockland, took top honors for chowder in the professional category. Denise Ames said her secret to good chowder was that the crab and lobster comes from Matinicus Island.

Jim Stone won for chili in the independent category. He said the chili had homemade beef jerky for a garnish.

“The chili has hot sausage, pot roast and bacon in it,” said Stone. “This particular batch has been stewing for two days. I entered because I won the chili last year and I’m trying to win the chili this year.”

Kate Winzler and Chuck Taylor, of North Carolina, were spending their honeymoon in Rockland. Looking for a good cup of chowder, they happened in. Good fortune smiled and they wound up with 10 good cups of chowder. Heck of a way to start a marriage. Taylor said one of the chowders really stood out and all the chili was excellent.

Contact Chris Wolf at news@penbaypilot.com.