Celebrating the 42nd annual Spring Arts Bazaar the Prince George and District Community Arts Council hosted their ever-popular event Saturday, which included the taste-testing challenge of chili fest.
During the event at the Studio 2880 complex, which celebrates the Community Arts Council's 50th anniversary this year, guests enjoyed live music provided by Coldsnap Winter Music Festival including performances by William Kuklis, Isaiah Singh, Andrew McFayden and Arilynne Barks.
Several local artisans put on demonstrations like Elmer Gunderson, best known for his wood-carving skills who displayed his latest talent of sculpting stone.
The biggest crowd was around the tents where the chili was being served.
"Despite the rain people are happy," Lisa Redpath, program manager at the CAC, said. "This is a record year and it's been raining for most of the day, so you know we're not afraid of the rain. People are really enjoying the event and the chili fest is always so popular and people certainly always come out to support the arts in our community."
One first-time guest who made the $25 purchase of a handmade bowl created by members of the Potters' Guild as part of the fundraiser was determined to make an informed decision before he cast his vote for his favourite chili.
John Scott was into his fourth sample of the eight chilis available and was looking forward to trying them all. Scott is usually out of town at this time of year and said he enjoyed his first experience.
"So far Shirley Bond's chili is my favourite," Scott said.
Bond's team, called the Spice Cabinet, was a long-standing winner until local radio station CFIS took the win for the last two years.
Scuttlebutt around the voting booth was the Prince George Library's chili was very popular early in the day.
"We brought in our secret weapon, public service manager, Ignacio Albarracin, whose from Texas, and he knows chili," Amy Dhanjal, communications coordinator from the Prince George Library, said. "I think we've got the edge and our secret weapon will lead us to a victory for the library this year."
The winner by popular vote will be announced at the end of the event Saturday afternoon.
