Hot St. Pete Chilli Cook-Off To Benefit Help Our Troops On Saturday

Posted Feb 15, 2012 by Howard Altman

Updated Feb 15, 2012 at 07:55 AM

For those who serve and their loved ones, the good thing about living in the Tampa Bay area is that there is no shortage of people willing to help readjust to life back home.

The bad news is, with so many people so willing to help, I am afraid I might miss something. So apologies in advance.

If you are going to be in the St. Pete area Saturday, check out the Grand Central District to Host 7th Annual Chili Cook-Off.

Proceeds from the full-day festival will benefit St. Pete’s H.O.T. and GCDA.

The Grand Central District, located just west of Downtown St. Petersburg, is hosting its 7th Annual Chili Cook-Off and Street Festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

According to the organizers:

The event will take place on the 2400-2600 blocks of Central Avenue in the heart of the Grand Central District. In addition to the chili competition, arts and craft vendors, live entertainment, and other food vendors, the event will also offer the opportunity to purchase beer and wine for consumption.
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A portion of the proceeds will benefit St. Pete’s H.O.T. (Helping Our Troops), a volunteer-based organization that aids local veterans, active military and their families. “The Grand Central District is our home away from home; there’s always a smiling face and a helping hand,” says St. Pete’s H.O.T. Co-Founder, Lynn Hawkins. “Their sense of community is a direct result of their recent growth and progressive success. St. Pete’s H.O.T. is honored that Grand Central District is working with us for this awesome event. Their support of our military families is just another quality that makes them an amazing business district and community partner.”

For more information about St. Pete’s H.O.T. visit www.stpeteshot.com.

The Chili Cookoff will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and tasting tickets are $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the event. Tickets will soon be available for sale at www.grandcentraldistrict.org. Advance purchase is recommended; tickets will be available for purchase at the event on a cash only basis.

Tasting tickets include one (1) drink with purchase, unlimited tastings of the chili entries, and one (1) vote in the People’s Choice category.

Sponsorship, vendor and volunteer opportunities are available. For more information, please contact Lauren Ruiz, GCDA’s Executive Director, at 727.828.7006 or via email at gcda@grandcentraldistrict.org.