It is a time-honored tradition like no other. It’s a fierce rivalry that embodies the indomitable spirit of a truly heated competition. Some of our nation’s warriors assembled in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, ready to do battle.
Blades were sharpened, and tools were readied, all prepared for the rigors of this battle in front of unrelenting odds, including judges and a Central Pennsylvania audience. Nerves are on edge as the people know what is coming. Now was the time of this gathering, where the precision of a knife and a dash of last-minute extra seasoning could determine one’s fate. In the end, only one will remain — one champion, that is — of the annual Army versus Navy Cook-off at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg.
And what a competition it was. While it didn’t come with the pomp, circumstance, and traditions of West Point versus Annapolis, this face-off was unquestionably more enjoyable and most certainly more delicious. Navy Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Chassidy Chisholm went against Army’s Staff Sgt. BreAuna Delpesche in a cooking competition for the ages.
“The Army versus Navy Cook-off is a great way to showcase the talents and expertise of our joint military team. It was truly a privilege to sit in the audience and watch both competitors,” said Naval Supply Systems Command Command Master Chief Mark Schlosser.
Chisholm and Delpesche had their own squads, and each was tasked with preparing an exquisite, delectable, and original culinary delight using ingredients of food and products native (or at least native in 2024) in the Keystone State. And just like this season’s Army-Navy Football Game, this year’s cooking face-off came down to the (not-so) bitter (actually delicious) end.
Honestly, I couldn’t tell you the ingredients or what each team prepared — that is above my culinary knowledge. I do know that it was exciting to watch. After going to a tiebreaker, judges decided the winner for reasons I cannot explain — also due to my lack of knowledge on the matter. Nevertheless, just like the football game, Army was declared the winner and beat Navy.
And while I didn’t taste the food from the competition, so I could make my own decision, both meals were unquestionably delicious based on the hypnotizing aroma that filled the arena. It’s safe to presume that each was enjoyable and far better than anything I could have concocted.
However, the most important part was that it was entertaining. I can’t say it’s what I spend most of my leisure time doing; however, most cooking shows I’ve watched seem to involve an angry British guy yelling and insulting cooks. It was nice to see the synergy and cooperation to achieve a common goal, all in the name of friendly competition and culinary delight.
The Pennsylvania Farm Show is something everyone should attend if possible. It is definitely worth the trip. From the Army-Navy Cook-Off to pie contests, to concerts, to dancing, there is something for everyone at the event, some of which I previously wrote about. It’s the perfect event to take a trip after the lull of the end of the Christmas season kicks in. There are lovely and family-friendly events for everyone, with a plethora of activities for everyone to experience.