Although the beginnings of the annual event had a decidedly different flavor in year’s past, with bikini and wet T-shirt contests, the current event focuses on family fare and tongue-flaming chili.
By Cathy Neiman/Staff Writer
It’s that time of year again. The aroma of chili is almost in the air as preparations for the annual Labor Day weekend tradition, the Malibu Kiwanis Chili Cook-Off, gets underway at the Civic Center area in Malibu.
In what is a tradition for Malibuites and a novelty for out-of-towners, the 21st Annual Malibu Kiwanis Chili Cook-Off will kick off Friday evening with a carnival, followed by a weekend of chili tasting and contests, live music, food and drink, and a Porsche giveaway.
“Locals night” is what coordinator and Kiwanis board of directors member Nidra Winger calls Friday night’s festivities. There will be carnival rides and game booths for children and families to enjoy.
The actual chili cook-off will commence Saturday at 11 a.m. Saturday is considered more of a “family day,” with free events for children, a clown, hay and pony rides, and a petting zoo. Chili tasting, food vendors, beer booths, art and textile vendors, nonprofit booths, live bands and carnival rides are a part of the weekend’s events.
Sunday, Winger said, “We will rev it up a notch.” Actors Max Gail and Linda Hamilton will pick the winning ticket for the Porsche Boxster giveaway on Sunday evening. Malibuite Hamilton is known for her roles in the “Terminator” films. Gail, who is best known for his role as Detective Stanley Wojciehowicz (Wojo) on the ’70s hit sitcom, “Barney Miller,” will also present the Chili Cook-off winners.
The Chili Cook-off began in the early 1980s, when some Malibuites might remember what “rev up a notch” really meant. Back then, the Chili Cook-Off was a real “hootin’ and hollarin’ time” Winger said. There were the Budweiser girls, a bikini contest and a wet T-shirt contest. A great deal of beer chugging, ogling and partying took place in the old cook-off days. However, one year it got a little out of hand, and the wet T-shirt and bikini contests, and the Budweiser girls were asked not to come back. Budweiser remained a sponsor, minus the girls, and the Malibu Chili Cook-Off became strictly a family event.
The “rev” at this year’s Chili Cook-off will come from the sure-fire, tongue-flaming chili cooked by internationally renowned chili chefs.
Other raffle prizes include an exotic vacation, ocean kayaks and Yamaha electric guitars, as well as cash prizes. Saturday’s music line-up includes blues by Just Dave & New Family, urban R&B by Seecret Level, rock by Radio I-Ching, and the Debra Davis Band. Disnn Franchised performs what is called Street Party Protest at 5 p.m. Saturday’s lineup is preceded by a talent show with local youth.
On Sunday, the 21-piece band NightWind will start festivities with Big Band music at 11 a.m., followed by new country performer Jane Marie. At 2 p.m., Bayadera will play ethnic rock, and Box of Stuff, alternative rock. Preston Smith & the Crocodiles will swing and rock the Civic Center at 5 p.m.
The cook-off benefits the Kiwanis and other nonprofit groups, local schools and children’s projects.
The carnival begins Friday evening at Pacific Coast Highway and Webb Way. Saturday and Sunday’s events begin at 11 a.m. More information can be obtained by calling 310.589.9266.