A treat for the taste buds will once again be offered during the ever-popular Great Northern Chili Cook-Off at the Community Arts Council's Spring Arts Bazaar Saturday, June 11 at 2880 15th Avenue.
The plans are to go bold with flavour and increase the amount of chili offered at this year's contest where seven teams from throughout the community will be concocting the delicious fare. (Secret ingredients are encouraged to add some zip.)
Guests are invited to purchase a $15 hand-thrown bowl, taste all the chili they wish to sample then vote for their favourite.
This event is a major fundraiser with proceeds going to the Potters' Guild and the Community Arts Council. Proceeds will be greater thanks to a donation of ingredients from Save On Foods. Potters' Guild members have created more than 350 bowls in all styles, colours and shapes.
This year the potters made extra because they always sell out.
Besides the chili contest is a full art market on the lawn at Studio 2880, where guilds and artisans from Prince George, and even two from out of town, will sell their wares.
"There's tons of things for sale," said Crystie Tarr, artist liaison for the Community Arts Council. "There are paintings, fibre arts, quilts, jewelry, and more."
Live entertainment will be provided by the Prince George Folk Festival Society that organizes Coldsnap. So the entertainment will be great but it's too early right now to list who will be appearing.
During a silent auction a variety of art will be up for grabs.
Art-making for children will be guided by the CAC preschool teachers and crafts and activities will be presented by the Two Rivers Gallery.
"There is also a community art project that guests can contribute to," said Tarr. "This year we'll be doing stepping stones that will be embedded in the front lawn of the Studio 2880 complex, which will eventually be turned into a sculpture and art garden. Each year we're hoping to start a community project where people can help enhance the garden."
There's also the option to purchase the stepping stones.
As always admission to the event is free. The Artisan Gift Shoppe will be open during the Bazaar and will be featuring a new display of antiques.
"Rain or shine the Spring Arts Bazaar will take place, we'll just try and liven things up if it's gray and cold," laughed Tarr.
The Bazaar goes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the chili will be ready to go at 11.
