Hundreds turned out for Baldwinsville’s Big Chill, despite the frigid temperatures.

The chili cook-off had 10 contestants – The B’ville Diner, Canal Walk Cafe, Big & Tall BBQ (Moose Lodge), Tabatha’s Family Tree Restaurant, Badlands Saloon, JP’s Tavern, Pucello’s Tavern, Fireside Inn, Pizza Man and the Liverpool Elks. Judges’ choice winners were Badlands Saloon (first), B’ville Diner (second) and JP’s Tavern (third). People’s choice winners were awarded to Big & Tall BBQ (first), Tabatha’s (second) and JP’s Tavern (third).

Mercer Park boasted a large tent for chili cook-off competitors and samplers while people waited for the big event – the Polar Bear Plunge.

Overall, 70 people took the plunge raising more than $11,000 for charities. Kamco Supply of New England took the top fundraising prize for the corporate challenge while Jack Baker, Kasey Cassavaugh and John Fay were the biggest individual fundraisers.