Puerto Vallarta Chili Cook-Off
Many years ago, when we first arrived in Puerto Vallarta, an event enlightened us to the camaraderie of the expat group, as no other had. This wasn’t drinks at a beach bar. This was a small sector of the population coming together to make a statement. A delightful chili cook-off with colorful characters and a sizeable, impressive donation to a local non-profit for animals. The gathering indicated not just friendship but a real sense of community. This event disappeared, much to our dismay, but returned about seven years ago at the El Rio BBQ Bar in Paso Ancho, a perfect location for the gathering. Last year’s Puerto Vallarta Chili Cook-Off, co-hosted by Kurt Sinner, owner of El Rio; the Puerto Vallarta’s American Legion Post 14; and The Jay Sadler Project, an officially recognized non-profit organization in the State of Jalisco, attracted over six hundred attendees. As popular events in any given city tend to do, this one has outgrown its shoes and finds itself again, in a new location for 2020.
Parque Parota in Fluvial Vallarta, at 48320 Av. Francisco Medina Ascencio, is just north of the Marbella complex, in the huge lot where carnivals take up residence every now and again. Any bus going in the direction of Wal-Mart will drop you off at the main entrance.
It’s a very good idea to get an advanced ticket, which are available in several locations in Puerto Vallarta, since it will save you $50 pesos off the at-gate price and allow early entrance at 11:30 am. Tickets at the gate will be $300 pesos and entrance will be at 12 noon. You can also buy tickets online at eventbrite.com.
Twenty or so chili vendors will be judged by local food critics and restaurateurs. The public will also have the opportunity to serve as judges, with a popular vote.
Along with chili, there will be several other types of food available, including but not limited to seafood, tacos, ice cream and cupcakes from various local vendors and restaurants. We’re excited about the music, which is always a treat in Puerto Vallarta, where we have some incredibly talented musicians and entertainers. Along with a beer garden, there will be martini bars, a Bloody Mary bar, and cocktail lounge.
The Silent Auction has always been a big attraction at the Chili Cook-Off and this year is no exception, with the usual donations made from generous establishments around town, plus a few new contributors. This year’s Puerto Vallarta Chili Cook-Off will be held from 11:30 am – 7 Pm on February 22, 2020.
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