Thanks to mega-efforts by Kiwanis members the Malibu Kiwanis 20th Annual Chili Cook-Off and Carnival was another huge Labor Day weekend success. And for the first time, the carnival was extended into Monday evening.
Some 15,000 visitors enjoyed live music by diverse performers such as Preston Smith, Debra Davis, Severin Brown and James Coberly Smith; and bands New Breed, Bayadera and Kane, to name a few. Actor Gary Busey jumped in with Preston Smith’s Crocodiles and set the stage on fire with some hot guitar licks of his own, bringing the crowd cheering to their feet on Sunday afternoon. The open air stage and seating area rocked with good sounds, food and a handful of freewheeling dancers.
The annual event drew locals and out-of-towners alike to the 10-acre site, which is so well known it’s listed on Malibu maps as the “Chili Cook-Off Site.” It’s even said that a person can smell chili in the ground long after the event is over.
Part of the festival’s draw was the raffle. First prize was a Porshe Boxster, won by Randall Kopsa from Houston, Texas. The winning ticket was pulled and presented by actress and Kiwanis supporter Kathleen Quinlan. Second, third and fourth place prizes were a Costa Rican trip, won by Malibu resident Constance Shafran; two ocean kayaks, won by Brad Ladden from Atlanta, Ga.; and a Yamaha electric guitar, won by local Malibu resident Diana Silverston.
A perfect sky-blue day saw old and new faces in the chili competition. Malibu’s Favorites included prizes of $300, $150 and $100 for first, second and third places. Brad Norris of Malibu Health and Fitness took first place, as well as Best Merchant and Best Booth awards. Mike Grimes’ Texas Two-Step Chili took second place for the Arizonian, and Mary Elliot of Malibu’s Pier View Cafe placed third, also winning the coveted People’s Choice award. Mike Meinardus (Zuma Mike) won the Best Showmanship award.
Other cooks in the local competition included Jose Hernandez of Malibu Holistic Veterinary Health Care, C.J. McDonald of Topanga Outlaws (Fontana Ranch), David Katz of Malibu Film Foundation, Peter Balestri from Westlake Village, Jan Jarecki of Malibu Mountain Archery Club, and Malibu mom Dana Schweiger.
While Saturday’s cook-off concentrated on Malibu’s Favorite chili chefs, Sunday was devoted to International Chili Society (ICS) winners. ICS highlights included a first-place prize and the chance to compete in the world championship, which went to Mike Austin (The Bun Burner Chili Shack) from San Bernardino; People’s Choice award to Mike Grimes (Texas Two-Step Chili), and awards for Best Showmanship and for Spirit, which both went to crowd-pleaser Patty Summers (Crazy Those Cows).
Kid’s Day on Saturday added a new twist with special rides, games and a petting zoo, making the event a Labor Day weekend for all ages.