Chili cook-offs a hot event this summer

Surf City chili lovers will have several opportunities this summer to get their fill and benefit local charities.

Huntington Beach Elks Lodge 1959, 7711 Talbert Ave., will host a free international chili cook-off at 10 a.m. Sunday.

Sanctioned by the International Chili Society, the event is a fundraiser for the Elks’ Relay for Life team, benefiting the American Cancer Society.

Competitors will begin cooking at 10 a.m., and cash prizes will be awarded following tastings at 3 p.m. for best chili, people’s choice, and optional chili verde and salsa competitions. The winner gains entry to the Worlds Chili Cook-off to be held later this year.

Tasting cups are 50 cents each. Breakfast and lunch will be available for sale. There will be live entertainment, a beer garden for the adults, and face painting and snow cones for the kids.

For more information, call (714) 848-9440.

Father’s Day weekend, June 20 and 21, presents a free downtown Chili at the Beach cook-off on Saturday, and a car and motorcycle exhibit, charity raffles, prizes, a business expo, and children’s activities on both days.

The event will be on Main Street between Pacific Coast Highway and Orange Avenue from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 20 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 21.

For more info, call (714) 536-8300.

— Candice Baker