The 39th annual Mexican National Chili Cook-off is up and running this weekend in Ajijic.
Opening day at Lakeside’s hottest charity happening will be cooling down by the time this week’s edition of the Guadalajara Reporter hits the stands. But not to worry, there will be plenty more to do and see as activities continue Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., on the grounds of the Tobolandia Water Park.
At the heart of the event are the daily culinary contests, with spicy salsas and margarita cocktails brewed up on Friday and chili-con-carne challenges set for Saturday and Sunday.
Cash prize winners will be determined by a panel of judges scoring blind samples. A People’s Choice trophy goes to the competitor garnering the most votes from visitors who obtain tasting kits in the food court area, open daily 12:30 until samples run out. Each day’s awards will be announced at 4 p.m.
Appearing for Friday’s entertainment line-up are country singer Jerry Mayfield, Tamana African percussion and dance group, Latinitos Lounge, Danza Azteca Yolohecoatl, rock singer Daniel Cordero and vocalist Abby.
Saturday’s busy program kicks off with the Cook-off parade, departing from the Ajijic Malecón around 10:30 a.m. to wind through town and traverse the highway for arrival at the fairgrounds for the official ribbon cutting ceremony, 12:30 p.m.
Music and dance acts appearing on the main stage from 11:30 a.m., feature Sol y Luna, Mariachi Real Axixic, Lake Chapala Dance & Fitness Center, Blue Jay Slim & The Blues Machine, and a Ballet Folklorico troupe.
Sunday performers include Ricardo and Blanca, Grupo Danzón Ajijic, Exotica Belly Dancers and Club Ukulele de Laguna, Jimmy Barto and Paco Santana, and the Alakai Kela Polynesian dance troupe. Charros will show off their dancing horses on the field at 1:15 p.m., followed by an art auction on the stage, 2:15 p.m.
Purchase tickets for the Cook-off’s hourly raffle drawings and take a shot at winning more than 130 prizes, including vouchers good at more than 50 local restaurants and food outlets and gift certificates donated by dozens of local shops, artists, beauty parlors and spas. Grand prize packages have been put together for the final drawing each day.
Shoppers will enjoy wandering the fairgrounds to choose from the huge array of goods and service offered by 70 exhibitors and more than 40 craft vendors. This year’s food offerings include chili, hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ ribs, pizza, Mexican dishes, fresh fruits and desserts, along with ice cold beer, hard drinks and sodas.
Ample on-site parking is available at the entrance to Tobolandia for 30 pesos per vehicle. Admission at the main gate is 40 pesos per person. All proceeds go into the kitty for the eight non-profit organizations that benefit from the Cook-off.