Spicy aromas wafting from the hot chili in crock pots manned by 18 contenders tantalized a crowd of around 170 gathered at Amherst Middle School for the Eighth Annual Chili Cook Off & Ice Cream Social.

It is an event recently hosted by the Amherst Lions Club, one of a reported 46,000 Lions clubs worldwide focused on “serving a world in need.”

“The Fire & Ice event on Feb. 9 was designed to break the monotony of winter and bring the community some food, fun and family activities,” said Joan Ferguson of Amherst, a club volunteer. “An ice cream sundae bar topped the night.”

Event accessories included free community eye screenings, a part of the Lions KidSight USA program.

Lions Don Tower and Joe Sirois alternated in using a compact handheld “Welch Allyn’s Spot Vision Screener” the size of an old-fashioned Poloroid camera.

The device takes a screening of the subject’s eyes and is followed by an instant print out that notes various vision anomalies, if any.

The touchless service for kids 6 months to age 18 is available for local schools and is free of charge.

Chili lovers in attendance meandered past a long row of tables bearing 18 crock pots. Many visitors read the ingredient list posted on each vessel before sampling via plastic cups. A People’s Choice category was decided by voting diners. Later, a Judges’ Choice chili, the Best Restaurant chili and Best Lions Club chili were judged by a team of three local gourmands.

Winners were announced. People’s Choice: Nancy Ferman and Kirk Rogers of Amherst Lions Club. Judges’ Choice: Bill Swift of Amherst. Best Restaurant Chili: Moulton’s Kitchen & Market in Amherst. Best Lions Club chili: Pinardville Lions Club.

“I marinate the meat and let it simmer for at least 24 hours,” said first-time competitor Richard Griffith, a Mont Vernon resident who is owner of Unique Landscapes and a longtime chili lover. “Putting it in the slow cooker makes for a harmony of flavors.”

More information on Amherst Lions Club can be found on Facebook or via email: amherstlionsclub@gmail.com.