LIBERTY, NY — On a briskly cold October 19, hungry art lovers gathered at the Liberty Museum & Arts Center for the 30th annual Harvest Festival and Chili Cook-off. 

In addition to the delicious chili, they were filled by the poetry of Marilyn Laufer and the music performed by Walter Moylan.

Attendees viewed the varied works of the art educators of Sullivan County and the remarkable art of Monticello artist Frank DiModica. All this art whetted their appetite for chili judging.

And judge they did.

In addition to homemade chilis of great wonder and delight, five Liberty restaurants sent their chilis for tasting and judging. The Star Bar and Grill, the White Sulphur Springs Inn, Casi’s, the Liberty Diner, and the New Munson Diner were the professional entries. In a very tight competition, a lot of chili was consumed and the New Munson Diner emerged the winner.

In the Vegetarian/Vegan category, Jackie Chiger of Monticello took home the honors. Matthew Frumess of Liberty won in the non-professional meat category.

For those of you who couldn’t make it this year, you are invited to next year’s chili cook-off. But in the meantime, you should go to these restaurants and check out their menus for yourself. 

An expanded exhibit of Frank Di Modica’s paintings and drawings, which draw inspiration from abstract abstraction and music, remains open until Saturday, November 30 at the museum.

The Liberty Museum & Arts Center is located at 46 South Main St., across from the Liberty Theater.

For more information, call or text 845/807-6055 or 845/807-6656.