SANTA CRUZ, CA (October 12, 2010) – More than fifty chefs will compete in the Boardwalk’s first Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, October 23, 2010. Most competitors will be cooking traditional red chili, however in a nod to the unique flavor of Santa Cruz, there’s also a vegetarian chili category.

Creative team names include Chili Con Carnage, So Hot It’s Chili, V4 Vegan, Cool Beans, Burnin’ Love, Chilisaurs, and Voodoo Chili. Visitors can expect some interesting costumes and booth designs as competitors try to win prizes in categories that include “Most Original” and “People’s Choice”. In addition to local participants, teams are coming from as far away as Sacramento, Stockton, Fremont, Castro Valley, Pleasanton, San Jose, and Salinas to participate.

Professional teams will be representing local restaurants including Severino’s Grill, Casablanca Restaurant, Parish Publick House, Sanderlings Restaurant, Chaminade Resort, Smoqe, and Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley.

Admission to the Chili Cook-Off is free. Visitors can watch chefs prepare their chili, and for $8.00 taste up to five different entries, and vote for the People’s Choice winner. Cooking begins at 10:00 a.m., tasting starts at 1:00 p.m., and winners will be announced at 4:00 p.m. Boardwalk rides will be open from 11am to 7pm on the day of the event. The Casino Arcade and Neptune’s Kingdom will also be open.

About the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk features both modern and classic thrill rides, restaurants, miniature golf, video game arcades, and family bowling located on a mile of sandy beach. Named the world's Best Seaside Amusement Park by industry experts, the Boardwalk is home to 2 National Historic Landmarks.

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is located at 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

For general information, call (831) 426-7433 or (831) 423-5590, email guest.services@beachboardwalk.com or visit www.beachboardwalk.com

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