Do you love chili? Looking for new chili recipes to try? Want to have some fun with the whole family - with no admission charges? Then you will not want to miss the CASI Chili Cook-Off at Freighthouse Square on March 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., along with all the other things going on at the Square that day.
The Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising chili awareness among people worldwide and raising funds for local charities. In 2008 alone, CASI held 558 cook-offs in 31 states, Canada, Mexico and the Virgin Islands, raising more than $1,370,000 for local charities.
The Puget Pod (www.pugetpodcasi.us) - the local CASI chapter - is hosting the 21st annual St. Patrick’s Day Red and Green Chili Cook-off. This beloved event kicks off the 2010 Puget CASI season. This CASI-sanctioned chili cooking competition will be fully adjudicated, with points and prizes awarded to the winning chili cook in both the red and green chili categories. Each spoon of chili is judged using five criteria: aroma, red color, consistency, taste and aftertaste. Scoring is from zero to 10, with 10 being the highest. Judges are from the local community - such as firefighters and police officers - and the winning cook receives a non-monetary award. All money raised during the event will go to local food banks.
While all this is going on, the Puget Pod will be hosting a variety of outside vendors that will be set up throughout the Square selling everything from locally made arts and crafts to home business goods. Freighthouse Square’s numerous merchants will be open for business, and the Square’s acclaimed international eateries will be offering specials for this fun-filled day.
There are also a number of other activities happening around the Square that day, including:
• Family Fun Zone with Dan Parker of City Blocks, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Come join in lots of family fun with the “Lego Guy.” He will be leading all sorts of activities, including a Lego building contest. Two age groups will compete for more than $250 in prizes, and it is free to enter.
• Performance by Evolution Dance at 1:30 p.m. - Evolution Dance, Tacoma’s own authentic Irish dance troupe, will give a 30-minute performance at 1:30 p.m. in Freighthouse’s Foss Hall (lower level). They will also be collecting donations to help fund the dance troupe’s upcoming trip to Ireland.
• 30th annual Stadium High School Booster Club Auction - The Stadium High School Booster Club, along with the Stadium Centennial Foundation, is hosting its 30th annual auction beginning at 5 p.m. The event will offer a night of fun while raising funds for Stadium High School. Check www.stadiumhighschoolboosters.com for reservations, more details and auction updates.
In addition, the Tacoma Northwest Model Railroad Club clubhouse will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The public is invited to stop by to enjoy the trains and learn about model railroading and railroad history.
If you want to learn how to make a real pot of Texas Red, put March 20 on your calendar.
If you are interested in becoming a cook or judge, contact Ken Peach at kmpeach@aol.com. The Puget Pod CASI website at www.pugetpodcasi.us has some great chili recipes and its 2010 calendar with a list of events where it will be cooking in our area.
Freighthouse Square is located in Tacoma’s Dome District at 430 E. 25th St. Market hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
