LAKEHURST – It gave you a warm feeling inside…and it’s not just the spicy herbs or the hot temperature of the soups. It was the camaraderie that was served during this year’s Soup R Bowl Chili Challenge hosted by the Lakehurst Historical Society.
Residents and visitors gathered in large numbers – filling the borough’s Community Center on a recent Saturday afternoon
For a $5 entry fee you got to try out a variety of soups and chili and a have a voice in which one was the best. Mayor Harry Robbins, Councilman Jim Davis and resident William Seibert had the tough task of serving as this year’s judges.
The judge’s choice and best chili awards both went to the Lakehurst Police Department for their steamy concoction, while best soup went to Arista Care.
The second place soup was prepared by members of the Lakehurst Historical Society while the second-place chili was served up by the Fleet Reserve Association.
“Good job and a huge thank you to everyone who participated and helped with the challenge,” Lakehurst Historical Society member/event coordinator Kathy Abrahamsen said.
Bonnie McAuliffe, the activities coordinator of Arista Care, said “we’re a rehabilitation facility said each year we prepare something for this contest and we’ve won quite a few times.”
Two years ago, McAuliffee brought chicken cordon bleu soup to the challenge but this year, the organization’s entry featured a seafood theme, “I have crab, shrimp, lobster and Cajun seasoning,” McAuliffee said.
Mayor Robbins said just before the judging began that he and his fellow judges were ready to taste everything. “We take a little taste. Mark them up (in order of preference) and this may be less difficult to choose than judging the Halloween parade, (a duty the mayor does with members of council each October).”
Heather Cramer, a trustee of the Lakehurst Historical Society said “this is our annual fundraiser; I think is has been going on for 13 years. This is our first one since COVID and quarantining last year. We are excited to be back and that is why the turnout is so great. You get all those who want to get back out there to events.”
“The funds are used to maintain the upkeep of the museum (which is across the street from the Community Center on Center Street). We also do a summer car show,” she added. This year’s car show will be held on July 2 as part of the borough’s postponed two-day centennial celebration.
Cramer added, “we also have historical tour trolly rides for people to enjoy and for people to learn about the town’s history. We used to also have a Halloween event where kids would come in and decorate pumpkins and the police would come in and give Halloween safety tips.”
Once again members of Our Special Klub were represented and provided samples of their shrimp bisque for the soup category of the contest. The club was founded in 1981. “It was for children but now the children have grown up, it is officially called Our Special Klub New Jersey, Inc. and is a parent advocacy organization that provides social activities and educational experiences for adults with developmental disabilities,” Joyce Abrahamsen of Toms River said.
Her daughter Dannielle joined her and was excited about once again being part of the fun and helping her mother provide samples to the many attendees.
Kathy Abrahamsen credited the success of the annual Soup R Bowl Chili Challenge to the many area groups, clubs and organizations who take part in it and was pleased by the large crowd that came out to the Community Center. “If not for their participation this event could not be possible.”
