Tastebud tingling chili, lively music, and glass blowing demonstrations will take the temperature up a notch Saturday night, September 22, for the Fourth Annual Industrial Strength Chili Cookoff. This fun benefit for the non-profit Industrial Arts Center takes place 6:30-9:30 pm at the Gulfport Art Village Courtyard, Beach Boulevard and 29th Avenue South.
Last minute entries for chili or salsa will be accepted until Friday, September 21 at noon. Cooks will receive a commemorative cookoff apron, beverage tickets and other perks. Complete entry information is available at www.IndustrialArtsCenter.org.
New to this year's cookoff will be judging for the best home-made salsa and tasting of locally made hot sauce. Cooks will compete for hand blown glass chili peppers created at the Industrial Arts Center. Votes for the People's Choice Award will be sold for $1 each to support the IAC operating fund.
Local celebrity judges will include City Council members Jennifer Salmon and Barbara Banno, Cherlene Willis of Gulfport Patch and new IAC Treasurer David Hastings. O'Maddys Bar & Grille has pitched in to help with beverages.
Tickets are $9 for adults and $5 for kids 12 & under. Ticket holders get a wrist band that entitles them to two beverage tickets, door prizes and free tasting of chili, salsa and hot sauce. For information, visit the IAC online at www.IndustrialArtsCenter.org or call 727-289-9365.