Since its creation in 2019, the annual battle of soup, chowder and chili at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church has grown every year. With 16 different options this year, it’s nearly too many to try. Nearly. 

“They were all especially good this year,” said Bill Cadieux, who took a bite out of every bowl. “I liked the vegetable beef the best.”

The crowd agreed. The 2024 soup, chowder and chili champion is Jenn Oliveira, who took home a gift certificate to a local restaurant — along with bragging rights for the rest of the year — for her vegetable beef soup. 

While the tradition is still pretty new, it’s already become a favorite of some parishioners and attendees. 

“Getting together, trying all the soups — we love it,” said Michelle Woodacre, a parishioner at St. Peter’s. “This event is a big deal.”

Visitors that brought a soup to the Sunday, March 3 event got in free, while all others donated $10 for entry. The funds raised will go to St. Peter’s future events and programs. 

With such a large number of entries this year, some folks brought more unique options to stand out, including a kale soup and a lasagna soup. 

“They make it work,” Cadieux said of the lasagna soup. 

Other chefs stuck to the classics. Parishioner Mary Moubray brought a signature dish: “plain-old chili with a zing.”

“Everybody that I make it for loves my chili,” she said.

Last year, the top prize went to professional chef Michael Whitley, whose clam boil soup was adapted from the flavors of classic New England clam boils. He beat out nine other soups for the prize. 

If the annual event keeps growing, St. Peter’s may eventually hit some logistical hiccups. 

“I don’t think we’re going to have enough room in here next year,” Cadieux said. 

But they’ll continue to welcome anyone in the community, for good soup and even better conversation.

“You come here, everybody’s happy,” Cadieux said. “You notice a whole bunch of people still hanging around — they don't come in here, eat and get out. It’s just a different sort of group.”