Every Fourth of July Palo Alto celebrates our nation’s independence with a chili cook off in Mitchell Park. It’s an all day affair, and a smoking hot one too (whomp whomp) thanks to the chilies, the sunshine, and the inevitable crowds eager to sample first-rate chili recipes whipped up by 20 teams.
The teams compete in three categories: open, vegetarian, and corporate. Competition is stiff, and the winners receive cash rewards ($400 for 1st place, $200 for 2nd, a plaque for 3rd) and more importantly, hefty bragging rights.
Last year the Palo Alto firefighters took home the People’s Choice Award and also won first place in the corporate division, beating out local favorites like Whole Foods and The Rose & Crown Pub.
The turnout is always good (attendance is estimated at between 5,000 and 7,000 people), and the spirit is festive to say the least. In fact, in preparation for this year’s cook off, the city’s Recreation Department is instigating a new “code of conduct” with the hopes of tamping down undue rowdiness and excessive drinking.
According to the local rumor mill, last year there were reports of teams bribing judges with alcoholic beverages, and team Top Gun Chili was banned from participating in future cook-offs, thanks to their "highly intoxicated behavior" and "use of inappropriate language and gestures."
So while the 29th Annual Summer Festival and Chili Cook-off might be a bit tamer than in years past, it’s still a Palo Alto Independence Day tradition, and a lot of fun.
Head out to Mitchell Park today--not only will you get a chance to try some unforgettable chili, you’ll also get to spend some valuable time with the community leaders, families, and local organizations that make Palo Alto such a distinctly warm and lively (or should I say spicy?) place.
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