Saline’s “Super” Weekend of Soup, Community, and Competition

Co-Author: Sue Kelch

While much of the country stocked up on chips and dip for the big game on TV, the people of Saline were grabbing spoons. In this beloved local tradition, Super Bowl weekend isn’t defined by touchdowns or halftime shows, but by ladles, bisques, and neighbors coming together. This year, the community once again proved that whether it’s a spirited culinary competition or a heartfelt fundraiser, soup really does feed the soul.

The festivities kicked off the Friday before the game with SOUPer Bowl V at the Saline Area Senior Center (SASC). The energy in the room was palpable—not unlike a stadium, though with better smells. More than 100 “spectators” sampled 24 soups submitted by 18 local “teams,” including restaurants, churches, realtors, and senior care facilities.

For regular attendee Cindy Sobotta, the event is about more than just lunch. “I love to bring friends,” she said, noting she brought a new neighbor this year because “the event is a great place to see SASC and what we have to offer.”

The competition was stiff. “Referees” Rebecca Groeb and Sarah Barth of Saline Area Schools, along with volunteer judge Asher Davis, handed out technical awards, while attendees voted to crown the ultimate champion: the MVP (Most Valuable Pot).

Jodi Hilberer, foundation director for Evangelical Homes of Michigan—which sponsored the event through EHM Senior Solutions—attended as a spectator and felt the camaraderie. “The Souper Bowl tasting brought together fun people, new friendships, and a great mix of traditional favorites and unique soup creations,” she said. “It was a warm, welcoming reminder of how good food can bring people together.”

That sense of connection resonated with participants as well. “We had a great time. It was fun to participate in such a well-loved activity, meet new people, and see our community so well-represented,” said Rev. Kimberly Secrist Ashby, designated pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Saline. “The Senior Center does a great job of bringing people together for sharing and fellowship.”

When the votes were tallied, Susan Rosales of State Farm claimed the MVP title with her Beef Bourguignon. Brewed Awakenings Café earned first runner-up for its Potato with Bacon soup, while H&R Block secured second runner-up with a Corn Chowder.

H&R Block also claimed Rookie of the Year. Other winners included Liberty Club, which earned Halftime Showstopper for its Tomato Bisque, and Brecon Village, which took home the Offensive Line award for heartiest soup with JT’s Tuscany Bean Soup.

But the ladle-wielding action didn’t stop on Friday. As reported by Sue Kelch, soup celebrations continued Sunday at Saline First United Methodist Church (FUMC). While the Senior Center event focused on friendly competition, the church’s Annual Soup-er Bowl Sunday centered on service.

Sponsored by the United Women in Faith (UWF), the event is the group’s largest fundraiser of the year. This year, volunteers packaged 190 containers of soup, offering 30 varieties.

Mary Macaulay, a church member, emphasized inclusivity. “We want to include our friends with special dietary needs,” she said, noting vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options were clearly labeled.

Proceeds support organizations including Hope Clinic, Saline Social Services, Ozone House, and Food Gatherers. “One of our very creative members originally suggested the idea… as a way of inviting all our exceptional cooks to participate,” Macaulay said, adding that this year included many first-time soup makers.

“I am involved in the Soup-er Bowl fundraiser because I love to be surrounded by wonderful people who care about making a difference,” she said.

From the competitive buzz at the Senior Center to the charitable hustle at the Methodist Church, Saline’s “Souper” weekend showcased the best of the community. Whether it was an award-winning beef stew or a quart of soup to go, the real winner was Saline itself—well fed, well connected, and ready for whatever comes next.

Featured photo: Attendees sample and score soups during SOUPer Bowl V at the Saline Area Senior Center. Photo by by Megan Kenyon