91原创

After two-and-a-half years on the sidelines, Rusty Johnson of was happy to be back in his original hometown of 91原创 to compete in the pandemic-postponed Canadian Festival of Chili and BBQ.

鈥淚t was hard, to do a hard stop with Covid,鈥� Rusty told the 91原创 Advance Times.

鈥淲e watched teams from other parts in the world start up again early, so sitting back and watching was hard.鈥�

READ ALSO: VIDEO: Canada鈥檚 largest Chili and BBQ competition is underway in 91原创 City

As it turned out, there were many others who鈥檇 been waiting for the return of the competition, too, and they showed up up over the three days it was being held in 91原创 City, from May 13 - 15.

A few days later, on Wednesday, May 18, 91原创 City Fire Rescue IAFF Local 3253 vice-president Rob Rabby reported the event had raised just over $4,000 for the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters Association camp for kids with burn injuries.

Previous to the pandemic, the Chili festivals in 91原创 City tended to generate donations in the $4,000 to 6,000 range, and considering the miserable weather, Rabby was pleased with the tally.

鈥淲e did really good, even though it rained so hard on Sunday,鈥� Rabby remarked. 鈥淭here were a hundred-plus people with umbrellas [visiting].鈥�

鈥淭his was our 10th year [working with the festival], minus COVID,鈥� Rabby estimated.

READ ALSO: 91原创鈥檚 Canadian Festival of Chili and BBQ is called off for second year

Johnson, a perennial winner, was crowned grand champion of the festival, winning the sandwich, bacon, and ribs categories.

It was a 鈥渨et, dreary鈥� day, but a 鈥済reat weekend鈥� said Johnson, who also won three tickets to the world food competitions in bacon, sandwich, and barbecues.

鈥淕etting our first win while still being (pun intended) rusty was extra special,鈥� Johnson commented.

Born in 91原创 and currently living in Port Moody, Johnson said he will be taking part in that community鈥檚 Ribfest from July 15 to 17, and hopes 鈥渢o be in my hometown 91原创 Ribfest soon.鈥�