The Flathead Marines know a thing or two about chicken. In fact, as many fairgoers can attest, you’re likely to smell their booth before you see it. Under the shade of a tent, dozens of chickens are barbecued for nearly an hour until they reach a delectable golden-brown hue. Their chicken dinner has been a staple of the Northwest Montana Fair for years and took second place at last year’s fair food competition. But this year, this group of veteran chefs came out on top in the 2020 Northwest Montana Best Food of the Fair contest.

“Last year we took second place to D and T Barbecue and I had their nachos and they were delicious and I was OK with that,” said Arthur Woolley of Flathead Marines. “This year it feels pretty good to bring home the blue ribbon.”

In second was Glacier Shave Ice with its unique tropical snow and pop rocks combo. Scandanavian Baking Company took third for its Vikings in a boat entree, and in fourth place was Porteus BBQ for its St. Louis-style barbecued ribs. Judging was conducted by Chef Tim Phillips of Hops Downtown Grill in Kalispell.

“I have seen each and every year, you guys and gals continue to step things up and bring your best,” Fairgrounds Office Coordinator Mark Niemeyer said at the Wednesday afternoon awards ceremony. “It’s not just fair food anymore — it’s excellent food at the fair.”

To achieve optimum flavor, the Flathead Marines slow-cook their chicken with an array of “secret herbs and spices.” This year marks their fifth year hosting a food booth and third year specializing in chicken. And when consumers make an order, they’re not just walking away with a satisfying meal — their dollars go toward helping veterans right here in the Flathead Valley.

The Flathead Marines is a nonprofit organization with a membership of U.S. Marine Corps veterans, their spouses and Navy veterans who served alongside Marines. They contribute to Toys for Tots, Socks for Heroes and the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. The organization also helps support fellow Marines in times of need.

“We’ve got our Marine Assistance Fund,” Woolley explained. “Anybody in the group, if you blow a water heater or something and it’s still a week before payday, we swoop in and we take care of those veterans.”