The 1st Annual Marietta Mac Down took place on a beautiful fall day, with temperatures in the mid 70’s with sunny skies and a gentle breeze. The warmth and sun may have attributed to the abundance of smiling faces as well as the attendance of nearly 300 eager mac and cheese enthusiasts. Local restaurants, and even a lawyer, Charlie Calkins of CGA, provided the attendees with creations of their best mac and cheese recipes. The public paid a $12 donation for entry and received a ballot card to score their favorite samples throughout the Railroad House Inn and Restaurant, which is the home of Chowderfest and an upcoming Chili cook off. A silent auction, corporate sponsorships, and admittance raised nearly $5000 for the event, a benefit for the Pioneer Volunteer Fire Company, The Sebastian Foundation All Breed Dog Rescue, The Marietta Market and Lancaster Food Stock. Ed Lincoln, event founder and coordinator, in conjunction with Joey Bowden, co-owner of the Railroad House who helped run the event, were so extremely pleased with the turnout that they decided to add a Chili cook – off next summer, in addition to Chowderfest scheduled for Sunday April 7th.
The competition was close, but McCleary’s pulled out a narrow victory over The Square Mile Public House, with the Railroad House coming in 3rd. The Judges’ Pick, an award given by “foodies” and restaurant professionals, was given to the John Wright Restaurant, with Gratefull Fed Catering achieving the runner-up slot. And not to be outdone, there had to be a Kids’ Choice Award for a Mac and Cheese competition. The troop strolled around together and sampled the goods, with Sitler’s Kilted Griller Catering as their top pick.
Not only sunshine and great vibes filled the air, but music by Paul Christopher and JC Fetlock enhanced the patio’s beautiful scenery, and the acoustic ensemble of one of Lancaster’s premier jam bands, the Hydroponic Philharmonic, graced the Perry Street Cellar for the duration of the day.
The Sebastian Foundation brought some playful pups up for adoption and foster care, and the Pioneer Fire Company brought some great mac and cheese for the competition. Other awards were given by the corporate sponsors with Bron’s Deli receiving the CGA award, Sitler’s Kilted Griller Catering received one from 2ANEWU/HGH Transdermal Gel, Lancaster Dispensing Company received theirs from Carriage House Construction and Jeremy Ganse of REMAX presented his to the Railroad House Inn.
A special thanks to all participants who volunteered their time and product for the event… Bron’s Deli, The Pioneer Fire Company, Gratefull Fed Catering, Lancaster Dispensing Company, Square Mile Public House, McCleary’s Pub, Nick’s Bistro, The John Wright Restaurant, Sitler’s Kilted Griller, the Railroad House Inn and Restaurant and Charlie from CGA Law firm.
Thank you to the kids who put down their phones, stopped playing with the puppies, and put their heads together … Freddy and Holland States, Ivana (Ivy) Marie Lincoln, Dharma Hain, and Sarah Taylor.
…and of course a huge thanks to our corporate sponsors
CGA LAW FIRM
JEREMY GANSE REMAX
CARRIAGE HOUSE CONSTRUCTION
2ANEWU/HGH TRANSDERMAL GEL and BEMER USA
And last but not least….A HUGE SHOUT OUT to the staff of the Railroad House who worked the event and made the event run as smoothly as it did.
Final praises to my beautiful wife, Kathy for her wonderful energy, guest relations and knack for photography!
See you in the spring on April 7th, 2019 for the 4TH ANNUAL CHOWDERFEST.