This weekend chili lovers will flock to the Pine Island VFW Post 4353 to sample the island’s finest offerings prepared by novice chefs. This annual event will take place on Saturday at 3 p.m. at VFW Post 4353.
This event was a popular one last year when the VFW Ladies Auxiliary welcomed more than a dozen contestants who presented a wide variety of chili dishes.
The entry fee for the cook-of is $5 per recipe and those interested can register any time to participate up until 2:30 p.m. on the day of the event. Entry forms can be picked up in the lounge of the VFW located on Stringfellow Road in St. James City.
The VFW will supply tables, chairs and sample cups to the contestants. Each contestant will be assigned a number provided by the VFW and the official judging will take place at 5 p.m. by anonymous judges. The judging will be for “best taste” and winners will be announced for first, second and third place. These winners will be presented with commemorative trophies denoting their victory.
Following the judging at 5 p.m., R.V. Parks will take the stage to entertain all in attendance.
Parks played during the cook-off last year as well and was given the opportunity to sample all of the entries.
“They were fantastic and a wide range of recipes,” he said. “As for this year, I am sure a good time will be had by all.”
Parks is known through out Florida for his musical act “RV Parks Show” and was voted Best Entertainer in the Keys for years in a row where he performed for 17 years. Now a North Fort Myers resident, Parks performs in a variety of venues and his music appeals to a wide range of people both young and old.
Parks has been performing at the VFW for over a year and a half, usually on Saturday evenings. His musical variety act includes tropical and classic rock, pop, blues, country and standard favorites. When entertaining Parks is known for donning costumes ranging from Elvis to his signature Carmen-Miranda inspired fruit hat.
To register for the Chili Cook-off, or for more information, stop in at the Pine Island VFW Post 4353 located at 8150 Stringfellow Road about two miles south of the center on or before Sept. 19.