KENNEBUNK – The Kennebunk Festival Committee has been busy planning this year’s WinterFest. 

Saturday, Feb. 4 will bring many events to the downtown area, including the much-anticipated Soup Contest.

The Soup Contest was the brain child of Tony Dimakarskos, former owner of Toppings Pizza.  It was first held eight years ago, in the vacant store next to Toppings and many of the area restaurants participated. 

After that space was rented, a search for a suitable venue ended with Holy Cross Lutheran Church being selected, and it has been held there ever since. 

“The proceeds of the soup contest have helped support the free meals held for the community at the church, which include the Free Bean Supper, held on the first Saturday of the month, a Friendship Lunch held on the second Monday of the month, as well as hosting The Harvest Café on the third Thursday of the month,”
said Festival Committee member Jack Bates .

“In the past, it has been strictly People’s Choice,” said Bates, “but this year we are excited to announce that there will be three awards presented.  The Chefs’ Choice, The People’s Choice and Kids’ Choice.”

This year’s Guest Chef judges will be Rich Lamoine of The Village Tavern, a past winner of the contest.  Alongside Lamoine will be the owners of Academe, Brian and Shanna O’Hea.

This year’s soup contest is open to all local eateries and is expected to be the biggest and the best. 

Chef judging will be from 11:30 a.m. to noon.  Doors will open to the public at noon and the tasting will go until 2 p.m.. 

The cost of the public tasting is $5 per person and children under 5 are free with a $15 limit per family. 

Any businesses that would like to participate, should call Bates at 985-4300.