25th Annual Sunset Beach Chili Cookoff

"SPICE UP YOUR SUMMER AT THE 25TH ANNUAL SUNSET BEACH CHILI COOKOFF:

A SIZZLING CELEBRATION OF FLAVOR AND COMMUNITY!"

Grab your appetite and your dancing shoes because the 25th Annual Sunset Beach Chili Cookoff is back, and it's hotter than ever, ready to set the stage for a day of mouthwatering delights, live classic rock and heartfelt giving. Join us on Saturday, September 21, from 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the vibrant Sunset Beach Community Center, located at 16861 12th Street (at PCH).

This mouthwatering event, proudly sponsored by the Sunset Beach Womans Club (SBWC), is not just a culinary showdown; it's a heartwarming initiative to support local students through scholarships. "Last year, we celebrated distributing 16 scholarships to talented local students thanks to the success of our 2023 Chili Cookoff. This year, our goal is even loftier – to award 20 scholarships and set a new record!" declares Cheryl Coleman, co-President of SBWC, with evident excitement.

Chili Showdown and Beyond: Prepare for a showdown of epic proportions as chili connoisseurs battle it out for the coveted trophies and the ultimate bragging rights. A panel of discerning judges will crown the champions. But that's not all! This fiesta is jam-packed with classic rock beats courtesy of Cat Reed and the Back Alley, as well as beer and wine to quench your thirst for fun.

More Than Just Chili: While the chili is the star of the show, the fun doesn't stop there. Picture this: the aroma of sizzling delights from beloved vendors like Chicken in a Barrel, TruBowl Superfood, and Taco ‘Bout Good filling the air; captivating photo ops, including the iconic Big Wave; and an exhilarating live auction featuring art, staycations at the Hyatt Regency and Waterfront Hilton, an exclusive Steak Dinner for eight prepared by Beef Palace owner Calvin Free, a Duffy boat cruise for six, and even a thrilling helicopter Ride-along in HB Police HB-1.

Community Spirit and Giving Back: Dawn McCormack and Cheryl Coleman, the dynamic duo co-heading SBWC, are the driving forces behind the club's mission since its inception in 1929. They proudly represent a group of 70+ enthusiastic members who not only organize fantastic events like this cookoff but also volunteer tirelessly for various community projects. As they put it, "Our members are all about embracing our community, both in terms of having a blast together and in working hand-in-hand to uplift Sunset Beach. In fact, a generous portion of the Chili Cookoff proceeds will be donated to the Sunset Beach Community Center, nurturing it as a hub for local gatherings and events."

Tickets and Joining the Fiesta: Don't miss out on the fun and the chance to make a difference! Chili Cookoff tickets are priced at a mouthwatering $20, with children under 5 getting in absolutely free. Secure your spot by snagging tickets on Eventbrite or simply swing by at the door on the event day. And guess what? Free parking awaits you right next to the Community Center.

Kids 5 and under are FREE!

Festivities include:

• Classic VW Bus Display from Kowabunga Van Klan
• Beer and Wine sales
• Food vendors from Chicken in a Barrel, Taco 'Bout Good and TruBowl Superfood
• Dance to the Music by Cat Reed & Back Alley Band
• Raffles all Day Long
• Live Auction - Auctioneer Tommy T and Mr. Huntington Beach and Beef Palace owner, Calvin Free
• Photo op with "The Wave"
• Opportunity Drawing for fabulous prizes and gift certificates
• Pet Adoptions from S.A.F.E. Rescue Team

Ten+ (10) competitors vie for the honors of Best Chili. People Choice awards and Judge's trophy will be announced during the event.

Local band Cat Reed and Back Alley will perform classic rock and roll blues for your listening and dancing pleasure!

The famous Wave photo op will be on hand to take pictures - perfect for social media! Yes - it looks real!

Beef Palace owner, Calvin Free, is also Mr. Huntington Beach 2011 - and will be Emcee of the Live Auction for fabulous prizes at the 25th Annual Sunset Beach Chili Cookoff. One auction item will be Steak Dinner for 8 - prepared in your home by Calvin Free - serving all the fixins' from salad to dessert! Yum Yum!

Host or Publisher Sunset Beach Woman's Club