The early numbers are in. The 36th Mexican National Chili Cookoff pulled in 3,745 visitors for three straight days of food and fun, named nine winners in food and drink competitions, and relied on 500 volunteers and vendors working the fairgrounds each day to keep things hopping.
Event organizers expect to announce the final tally of proceeds to be divided among seven local non-profit organizations within the next couple of weeks.
Action got underway Friday, February 14 with the Margarita mixing contest. By popular vote among tasters who filed through the cook’s tent to swill down samples, first place honors were awarded to Christine and Rick Prine for their Surf City brew distinguished for its tangy hint of tamarind. Chapala firefighters nailed second with the traditional flavors of their Margarita Bomberos, while the Don Vito Tequila team placed third with the high-octane Loaded Margarita.
Following the customary inaugural parade, Saturday’s program featured the standard chili con carne competition. Bryon Cranston and the Havana Chili team beat out seven rivals with a recipe noted for unique flavors of lima beans and Cuban rum. Bobbie Rush earned second place for her Rootin Tootin Texas style no-bean chili. Michael Headley’s Heat Wave chili came in third.
The Salsa contest was in the limelight on Sunday. Mexican chef José Carlos González claimed victory with a classic blend of tomatoes, onions, fresh cilantro, jalapeños and chipotle, appropriately named his after his daughter and sidekick Victoria. Back for another go, Cristy and Rick Prine captured second with their sweet and spicy Surf City recipe. Sue Dietz took third with a fruity mix called Mango Tango.
Headlining the big live entertainment bill were the Voladores de Papantla, the handsomely costumed ritual dancers from Veracruz who performed their astonishing pole flying stunt several times each day. Local charro horsemen wowed the crowds with all sorts of equestrian tricks. Live dancing and musical acts appeared on the main stage, with Yolanda Martinez and Les Strong easily rolling with the flow in their first-time stint as cookoff MCs.
Meanwhile, throngs roamed dozens of commercial stalls spread around the fairgrounds, generating brisk sales of food, drinks, souvenirs, raffle tickets and diverse goods and services. More winners and event participants appear below!
