Debbie Kilinski of Jimmy’s Pub in Montatgue accepts the first place Traveling Trophy from Steve Thiele, kitchen manager, at 750 Grill, last year’s winner in the White Lake Steelheader’s Perch Festival Chili-Cookoff.

Most of the ice on our lakes was thin, and anglers had to take extra precaution if they dared to venture out, but there was still enough ice on most bodies of water that boats had trouble navigating.

But, Mike Schalk, secretary-treasurer of the Steelheaders club, said the children who entered the fishing contest still had a great time, especially when they received their goodie bags of prizes. “It’s our pride and joy, giving out the goodie bags,” Schalk said.

Some inland lakes had enough ice, and because the festival allows fishing on lakes in Muskegon, Oceana, Newaygo and Mason counties, there were still plenty of lakes and rivers from which to choose.

Despite the poor fishing conditions, Schalk said it was overall a good year for the festival.

“Everyone looks forward to our contest. We’re already planning for next year.

Sunday afternoon, Jan. 22, was the awards ceremony at the festival headquarters in the Montague VFW Hall. That’s when drawings for prizes and awards were given.

Saturday also had two big indoor events at the VFW. The chili cook-off was held at noon, and the popular all-you-can-eat fish dinner was held at 5 p.m.

In the chili cook-off, there were seven restaurants competing, and Jimmy’s Pub of Montague came away the big winner.

Jimmy’s Pub received the first place traveling trophy awarded based on judging from a panel of five judges, and it also received the Most Popular Award based on the number of samples tried by the public at the cook-off.

Jimmy’s Pub had received awards the first two years it competed in the cook-off. Two years ago, it took second place and last year it came in third.

This year, Jimmy’s Pub served a new recipe, according to Debbie Kilinski, an employee who dished out the tasty chili at the event.

“It has a bit of a zing - not too much,” she said. The chili included beans, stewed tomatoes, onions and peppers.

Placing second at the cook-off was the Algot Johnson American Legion Post #69 in Whitehall. Dave Meyer, who for years had cooked chili at the legion, was on hand to accept the plaque. Meyer said the legion’s chili was mild.

Third place went to Little Joe’s Diner in Rothbury. Little Joe’s chili was named “Granny’s Chili.” Owner Autumn Vanhuizen and son-in-law, Chris Clevenger, served the chili.

Also competing in the cook-off were: Greek Tony’s on Holton Road in North Muskegon, the 750 Grill on Whitehall Road at River Road, Gary’s Restaurant in Whitehall and the Montague VFW. Greek Tony’s served a white chicken chili.

Perch Fest Winners

Kid’s Perch

1. Ryan Kulosza - 426 g.

2. Jacob Loudermilk - 362 g.

3. Jienna Potts - 346 g.

Adult Perch

1. Dale Owens - 544 g.

2. Stephen Stout - 496 g.

3. Jim Mock 457 g.

Steelhead

1. Jim Current - 13 lb., 11 oz.

2. Tom Addison - 12 lb., 2 oz.

3. Andy Streblow - 9 lb., 8 oz.

Northern Pike

1. W.J. Dyler - 14 lbs., 6 oz

2. Jerren Vanderberg - 8 lb., 4 oz.

3. Tommy Alder - 7 lb., 7 oz.

Bluegill

1. Steve Vold - 370 g.

2. Don Carrier - 367 g.

3. Lester Hammond - 368 g.

Crappie

1. Joe Hohanon - 756 g.

2. Robert Wabsis - 373 g.

3. Isaac Mock - 350 g.

Walleye