Tantalize your taste buds by judging the chili at the Community Art Council's Great Northern Chili Cook-off held at the 36th annual Spring Arts Bazaar Saturday.
There's 11 teams battling for spicy bragging rights and visitors get to see if defending champions, The Spice Cabinet -- MLAs Shirley Bond and Pat Bell -- still have the flavour to fire it up again.
Visitors can purchase a handmade ceramic bowl handmade by the Prince George Potters Guild for $15 and try samples of chili, voting for their favourite. Proceeds from the keepsake bowl go to the Potters Guild as this is a major fundraiser for the non-profit group.
"This is my first year organizing the event and I've discovered people are very passionate about their chili," said Lisa Redpath, project coordinator at the arts council, who's heard all about secret ingredients and the variety of chilis and exotic beans that will go into some teams' concoctions. "I love the passion that this contest has brought out in the teams. I can't wait to try all the chili."
The 11 teams include the Prince George Citizen, Prince George Potters Guild, CFIS-FM, Jim Pattison Group, Prince George Public Library, Huble Homestead, Prince George Exhibition, Prince George Free Press, Prince George Fire Department and Ohh Chocolat.
"The bowls are absolutely beautiful and come in a variety of glaze colours," said Redpath. "These pieces are very artistic and I know people who have been coming to this event for years and have a collection of chili bowls."
The other part of the event is the Spring Arts Bazaar where a market gathers local artisans together to sell their wares while the Prince George Folk Festival Society that hosts Cold Snap each year showcases local musicians in a revue of talent that will be seen and heard throughout the event, said Redpath.
"There's going be many new artists at the market this year so we're really looking forward to filling the whole front lawn with artisan booths," she added.
The 4 Cats Art Studio will offer children's art activities at no charge so Redpath is inviting everyone to bring their children to this admission-free event at 2880-15th Avenue. Mini donuts available on site as well.
