Chili cook-off set to spice up the summer

FILE PHOTO COMING UP HOT- A vendor serves chili to an attendee at last year's Knights of Columbus Chili Cook-off and Car Show at Saint Rose of Lima School.

Knights of Columbus, Simi Valley Council No. 5803 will present the 21st annual Chili Cook-Off and Car Show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 8 on the grounds of St. Rose of Lima School, 1305 Royal Ave., Simi Valley.

Those wishing to participate as cooks, enter their cars or set up a vendor/craft booth should call the Chili Cook-Off hotline at (805) 526-7960.

•The cook-off is sanctioned by the International Chili Society. Cooks will compete for the Best Chili award plus $500 for first place, $250 for second place and $100 for third place.

In addition, the firstplace winner will be eligible to compete in the World's Championship Chili Cook-Off regional semi-finals later this summer. The People's Choice category winners will receive cash awards and trophies. Cooks can also compete for Best Booth and Best Showmanship. All top finishers receive trophies.

Entrance requirement for ICS chili cooks is a minimum of five gallons of People's Choice Chili. In addition, non-ICS cooks will be charged a $42 entry fee. Chili cooking will begin noon with judging at 4 p.m.

•The car show will feature 15 categories for classic, custom, street rods, muscle, sport, trucks, and special interest vehicles.

Trophies and prizes will be awarded to all category winners, including Best of Show.

Last year's participants also won such prizes as amusement park tickets, restaurant gift certificates and automotive enhancements.

Car show entrance fee is $25 until May 27 and $30 after and up to the day of the show. Preregistration is suggested since entry is limited to 125 vehicles. Awards will be presented around 3:30 p.m.

•The event will also include rides, rock climbing wall, moon bounce, game booths, and arts and crafts vendors.

Family entertainment includes live bands, Royal High cheerleaders, Simi Valley Police Department canines and more. Food for sale includes hot dogs, hamburgers, carnitas, cotton candy, sno cones, ice cream and cold drinks.

Event admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 6 to 12, seniors and disabled. Chili taste tickets are 50 cents each.

Event proceeds will assist the Knights in their charitable work.