The aroma of award winning chili will be held at Laishley Park in Punta Gorda TODAY on January 27th, 2023. That’s when the 13th annual Charlotte Harbor Chili Challenge and Beer Festival is coming to town.
15 chili teams will set up their chili cooking booths in an effort to persuade the judges and the general public that their chili is the best. The teams may consist of friends, family, service organizations, clubs, non-profits, businesses, or just about anyone who has the desire to make good, if not great chili.
In addition to making great chili, teams will be challenged to decorate their 15′ x 15′ booths in a Pirate Chili theme. The best decorated booth will win the Showmanship award and a first place prize of $500. Booths will be judged on five criteria – Theme, Action, Costume, Audience Appeal, and Booth Set-Up. Awards will be given to the top five booths.
Teams may decorate their booths however they choose using any type of decorations, lights, banners, flags, props, etc. The only requirement is everything must be inside the 15 x 15 booth area. Chili Teams may also dress the theme or wear costumes as part of the booths appearance.
