Calling All Chefs for the Santa Cruz Chili Cook-Off

By B. FULLER (Open Post)

Registration is now open for the sixth annual Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Chili Cook-Off.

The Cook-Off takes place along the Boardwalk on Saturday, October 24, 2015. Entertaining costumes and booth décor are encouraged. Cash prizes will be awarded for Best Chili, People’s Choice, Most Tasted, and Most Original teams. Two types of chili are eligible, Red (con carne) and Vegetarian.

The entry fee for amateur cooking teams is $50; $75 for professionals. Each team receives two Boardwalk All-Day Rides Wristbands, two 2015 Chili Cook-Off T-shirts, and a complimentary parking pass.

Admission to the Chili Cook-Off is free. Visitors can watch chefs prepare their chili, and for $9.00 taste up to five different chilis as well as vote for the People’s Choice winner. Cooking begins at 10:00 a.m., tasting starts at 1:00 p.m., and winners will be announced at 4:00 p.m.

Boardwalk rides will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the day of the event. The Casino Arcade and Neptune’s Kingdom will also be open.

A portion of the proceeds from this year’s event benefits Walnut Avenue Women’s Center, a local non-profit providing programs and services to improve the quality of life for women, children, and families in the Santa Cruz community.

For more information including the official entry form, and Cook-Off rules, please visitwww.beachboardwalk.com/chili.

• Also see: Camp Out For Cancer at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk