Back to All Events

Chili Cook-Off | Essex, NY | March 3, 2024

Sunday, March 3, 2024
1:00 PM 4:00 PM

Whallonsburg Grange Hall 1610 New York 22 Essex, NY, 12936 United States (map)

Google Calendar ICS

Essex Chili Cook-Off: Spice Things Up in the Lake Champlain Area.

Beat the mid-winter blues at a chili dinner in Essex, NY. Join the competition with your secret recipe.

Information about a chili cook-off event in Essex, NY, on Lake Champlain.

Essex Initiatives hosts their annual Chili Cook-Off on the first Sunday of March at 1 pm at the Whallonsburg Grange Hall. Tickets for the event are ($10 for adults and $5 for kids) and may be purchased online, by check (PO Box 38, Essex, NY 12936), or at the door.

Space at this fun community event is limited, so the organizers recommend buying ahead.

A fun Adirondack event for the whole family.

This late winter event in the historic Adirondack town of Essex on beautiful Lake Champlain has something for everyone. Your price of admission includes:

Chili Dinner, including a taste of the main competitors
Refreshments
Live music from Ploughman's Lunch
50/50 Raffle

Think you’ve got the right stuff to enter the competition? View the event web page for more information and to find out how to participate. The event judges will award prizes for the following categories: Best Meat Chili, Best Vegetarian Chili, Most Innovative Chili, and Judges' Favorite Chili.

Essex Initiatives is a nonprofit organization promoting the Town of Essex for community and commercial interests.

Places to explore near Essex.

ADKTaste Recommendations

Halloween in the Adirondacks Deserves More Than One Night

That costume could earn its keep before Halloween night.

Corn Mazes, Costumes and a Little Adirondack Halloween Magic

Halloween is creeping into the Adirondack events calendar, and there's plenty of mischief to be found.

Adirondack Fall Foliage Report: Lake George Reaches Peak Color

Lake George is putting on a show.

What It Takes for Adirondack Communities to Thrive with Blake Gendebien

What happens to the Adirondacks when the people who make the region work can no longer afford to live here?

Get Lost! Corn Mazes in the Adirondacks

There’s still time to take a wrong turn this fall.

James Bond in the Adirondacks: Retracing “The Spy Who Loved Me”

Ian Fleming's The Spy Who Loved Me takes an unexpected turn through the Adirondacks.

Anne LaBastille: The Woman Behind “Woodswoman”

Fifty years after Woodswoman, Anne LaBastille still fascinates us.

Old Pieces of the Adirondacks Are Getting a Second Life in Keeseville

Old windows, weathered porch posts, vintage hardware—and plenty of stories.

The Adirondacks at a Slower Pace: Forest Bathing with Nathan June.

What if the best way to experience the Adirondacks is to stop trying to get somewhere?

September Hits Its Stride: An Adirondack Weekend Worth Planning

The Adirondack September calendar is hitting its stride.

Adirondacks Could Be in for a Spectacular Fall Foliage Season

Could this be one of the Adirondacks' best foliage seasons in years?

How a Star Trek Shuttlecraft Found a Home in the Adirondacks

What is an original Star Trek shuttlecraft doing in the Adirondacks?

Growing the Future: Women, Apples, and Adirondack Agriculture

Think you know apples?

Why Fire Towers Light the Night is One of the Adirondacks' Most Meaningful Labor Day Traditions

One of the Adirondacks' most moving Labor Day traditions returns as historic fire towers glow across the park.

Before Summer Slips Away: Adirondack Events Worth the Detour

The calendar may be whispering back-to-school, but Adirondack summer isn't finished yet.

Think Tick Season is Almost Over? Think Again

Mosquitos may be fading, but don’t put away the bug defenses yet.

Sheep, Solar & Sunshine: Rethinking Farming in the Adirondacks

What do sheep have to do with solar energy? Quite a lot, it turns out.

BikeADK is Helping More People Experience the Adirondacks on Two Wheels

The best way to experience the Adirondacks might surprise you.

Best Nights to Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower in the Adirondacks

One of summer's greatest natural shows returns August 12–13.

August Starts Here: The Adirondacks Are Hitting Their Summer Stride

August is arriving with exactly the kind of weekend we'd hoped for.

What Is Adirondack Cuisine? Inside Adirondack Appetite with Susi Gott Séguret

Cookbook author Susi Gott Séguret joins ADK Talks to explore the recipes, traditions, and stories that define eating in the Adirondacks.

Every Adirondack Town Has a Story. Port Henry's Happens to Be a Lake Monster

Every Adirondack town has a story. Port Henry's happens to involve a legendary lake monster.

More Than a Midway and Corn Dogs: Why the Essex County Fair Still Matters in the Adirondacks

The Essex County Fair brings carnival rides, The Flying Wallendas, livestock shows, maple treats, and more to the northeastern Adirondacks.

Little Red Riding Hood Is Touring the Adirondacks—and It's Introducing a New Generation to Opera

Six Adirondack towns. One timeless fairy tale.

Where the Milky Way Still Shines: Stargazing in the Adirondacks

The Adirondacks don't just have mountain views—they have universe views.

Broadway in the Adirondacks: Inside Westport's Depot Theatre

Hear how professional productions, young performers, and one converted train station create something truly special.

From Dockside Dining to Mountain Music: A New Era at Silver Bay

Dockside dining. Mountain music. Winter carnivals. Silver Bay is evolving into one of the Adirondacks’ most surprising year-round destinations.

Adirondack Black Fly Season: How to Survive the Tiny Terrors of Spring

Black fly season is back in the Adirondacks. Learn why they thrive here and the Adirondack-tested survival tips locals swear by

Memorial Day Mailbag: Adirondack Summer Starts Here

Memorial Day in the Adirondacks means boats, black flies, traffic… and the unofficial start of summer.

Before America Was America, the Revolution Passed Through the Adirondacks

A New York Times story about Henry Knox’s legendary Revolutionary War trek shines a national spotlight on Fort Ticonderoga and the Adirondacks.

Show your love for the Adirondacks.

Featured

Cozy Up to Adventure: Adirondack Park Hoodie – The Perfect Gift for ADK Lovers

$47.50

Show off your love for the Adirondacks in style with this Adirondack Park Unisex Heavy Blend™ Hoodie. Featuring a bold canoe-and-mountain design and “Est. 1892” tribute, this hoodie is a must-have for anyone who dreams of paddling serene Adirondack lakes or exploring rugged High Peaks.

Whether you’re relaxing by the campfire, strolling through Lake Placid, or looking for the perfect Adirondack-themed gift, this hoodie delivers warmth, comfort, and timeless style.

Crafted from a soft, durable cotton-poly blend, this item is ideal for layering year-round. The spacious kangaroo pouch pocket keeps hands warm on chilly evenings, and the adjustable drawstring hood adds a snug, cozy fit. Ethically produced with OEKO-TEX certified dyes, it’s as kind to the environment as it is to your weekend wardrobe. Extended sizes available.

This is more than just a hoodie—it’s a piece of the Adirondacks you can wear anywhere. Treat yourself or surprise the ADK enthusiast in your life—perfect for birthdays, graduations, or that next mountain getaway.

Product Highlights:

Soft & durable 50% cotton / 50% polyester blend
Spacious kangaroo pocket for warmth & convenience
Adjustable drawstring hood for the perfect fit
Ethically produced with OEKO-TEX certified dyes
Medium-heavy weight—ideal for year-round adventures

SMLXL2XL3XLWidth, in20.0822.0524.0225.9827.9929.92Length, in27.1727.9529.1329.9231.1031.89Sleeve length from center back, in33.5034.5035.5036.5037.5038.50Size tolerance, in1.501.501.501.501.501.50

Adirondack Apparel | I'd Paddle That Long Sleeve Tee

$32.99

It’s early morning, and the mist hovers above the glassy surface of your favorite Adirondack lake, undisturbed but for the rhythmic dip of your paddle. The only sound is the gentle ripple of water breaking against your canoe. The air is crisp, carrying the scent of pine and the promise of another perfect day in the Adirondacks. Your worries are left ashore, traded for the serenity that only paddling these waters can provide.

You’re not just wearing any shirt. You’re donning an invitation to adventure, to explore the thousand lakes and secret inlets of the North Country.

Our Adirondack Paddler’s Long-Sleeve Tee is made of the softest cotton. It's perfect for layering or wearing on its own. It’s designed for those who know the joy of a paddling in the Adirondacks, who’ve felt the thrill of a canoe gliding silently through mirror-still waters.

This ultra-cotton long-sleeve tee is perfect for Adirondack paddlers of all kinds—canoers, kayakers, SUPs, guide boaters and more. It is a clear comfort winner in any season.

There are no side seams for a relaxed fit. The shoulders are taped for improved durability. We love that the cotton used for these shirts is environmentally friendly.

Check the size chart; friends and family tell us this long-sleeved tee may run a little small.

	S	M	L	XL	2XL
Width, in	17.99	20.00	22.01	23.98	25.98
Length, in	27.99	28.98	30.00	30.98	32.01
Sleeve length, in	25.00	25.51	25.98	26.50	27.01

Adirondack Tote Bag - Explore More, Carry More.

$24.99

Bring a bold splash of the Adirondack spirit wherever you roam with this vibrant, adventure-ready tote bag. Featuring a chic golden hue and a retro-style design, this tote is more than just an accessory—it’s a statement of your love for the mountains, forests, and lakes that make the Adirondacks legendary.

Crafted from durable, easy-care polyester and finished with reinforced stitching, this bag is made to go the distance—from farmers’ markets to campsites, library runs to beach days. The roomy boxed corners make packing snacks, sweaters, books, or souvenirs a breeze, while the sturdy navy or black straps sit comfortably on your shoulder no matter how full the day (or the bag).

And with the playful “Find the Good Stuff Here” message on the reverse, this tote is a nod to curiosity, good vibes, and great finds.

Perfect for:

Day trips to your favorite lake or historic site
Grocery hauls and artisan market strolls
Picnic gear, beach towels, or a cozy flannel
Commuters who love to keep it wild
Gift-givers looking for something both beautiful and useful

Product Features:

100% polyester for strength and durability
Reinforced handle stitching for everyday carry confidence
Spacious 16" x 16" design with boxed corners for easy packing
Soft yet sturdy medium-weight fabric
Stylish navy handles to complement any outfit

Go ahead—Find the Good Stuff. Carry it in style.
A perfect gift for Adirondack lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone who believes “Forever Wild” is more than a motto—it’s a way of life.

46 High Peaks Adirondack hiking t-shirt in espresso

Adirondacks 46 High Peaks T-Shirt

$38.00

In the Adirondack Mountains, every summit tells a story. Stories of persistence, breathtaking views, and a connection to nature so profound it’s almost mythical. This shirt doesn’t just celebrate the 46 High Peaks; it embodies them.

Soft-washed and garment-dyed, the fabric feels like a well-worn trail map—comfortably familiar yet sturdy enough for any adventure. The relaxed fit lets you move easily, whether you're scaling Colden or savoring a fireside evening. Double-needle stitching ensures it’s as resilient as the trails themselves, while the tubular design holds its shape through time, much like the enduring peaks it honors.

It's available in six hues inspired by Adirondack landscapes: Earthy Espresso, High Peaks Pepper, Evergreen Moss, Midnight Blue, Sunset Grape, and Autumn Ember Chili.

Try it on, and you’re not just wearing a T-shirt—you’re carrying the spirit of the High Peaks, ready to inspire your next trek or remind you of the ones you’ve conquered. Perfect for the 46er at heart—or anyone dreaming of their own Adirondack ascent.

Because adventure doesn’t stop when you leave the trail.

Made with high quality, 100% ring-spun US cotton for long-lasting comfort.
The relaxed fit keeps the wearer comfy in both casual and semi-formal settings while the crew neckline delivers that classic, neat style that makes it perfect for accessorizing.
The pre-shrunk fabric ensures a consistently great fit.
Made using 100% US cotton that is ethically grown and harvested. The manufacturer is a proud member of the US Cotton Trust Protocol ensuring ethical and sustainable means of production.

	S	M	L	XL	2XL	3XL	4XL
Width, in	18.25	20.25	22.00	24.00	26.00	27.75	29.75
Length, in	26.62	28.00	29.37	30.75	31.62	32.50	33.50
Sleeve length from center back, in	16.25	17.75	19.00	20.50	21.75	23.25	24.63
Size tolerance, in	1.50	1.50	1.50	1.50	1.50	1.50	1.50