Fire and Ice mix well on Narrowsburg streets

By KIMBERLY M. WEYANDT

NARROWSBURG, NY — Balance was the theme at the first annual Fire and Ice event, held on the quaint sidewalks of Main Street in Narrowsburg on February 19.

In pots all around town, the perfect balance of hot and mild was harnessed as swirls of spices sent flavor into every bite of chili. The Narrowsburg Fire Department’s pumper truck looked wonderfully red compared with the clear frozen beauty of the ice fire truck sculpted by Michael Crouthamel of Sculpted Ice Works.

The crowds of people bundled up in sweaters and hats while a chilled wind lazily made it’s way off of the Upper Delaware and onto the street, but inside Narrowsburg Fine Wines and Spirits, a friendly warmth radiated through the crowd. People crowded into the little store, some staying for as long as an hour while they sampled wines and Michael Eurey’s famous Texas-style beanless chili.

“I think this is excellent,” said a woman from Milanville.

“The initial reaction is mild but then there’s a bite,” she commented with a smile.

Outside, Narrowsburg firemen directed traffic and dished out samples of Tom Wood’s “Five-alarm Chili” and Stephen Stuart’s “Vegetarian Black Bean Chili.”

The firemen also collected about $200 to help fund the new rescue truck they will be purchasing.

The perfect balance of hot and cold, spicy and mild, old and new complimented each other to create the perfect balance of community and heart.