36th CHILI COOK OFF FEB. 14, 15 & 16

LAKESIDE’S SIGNATURE ANNUAL EVENT

Started some 3 ½ decades ago by a hardy little band of ex-pats led by Ann Whiting, Morley Eager, Micki Church and sponsored by Corona Beer, the three-day event has gone from what was little more than a small picnic to an internationally ranked competition that now draws contestants from several countries, both north and south of Mexico.

Besides being great fun, the Cook-Off is today a bonanza for local artists and artisans who put on display unique jewelry, paintings, sculptures, and clothing—all served up with almost constant entertainment and good music.

For the past few years, the event has been held right in front of a water park, and always starts with a colorful parade, one of the earliest of which featured the late Morley Eager atop an elephant.

The event usually involves some 80 vendors and takes about 180 volunteers to put on what has been called “The Greatest Show in Ajijic.”

Best of all, the event raises thousands of dollars for many Lakeside charities and for the past few years has provided each one with no less than 35,000 pesos.

Who said giving to charity couldn’t be fun!?