Western Days Chili Cookoff Offers $500 Prize and ICS Qualifying

Aromas of savory beef, unique blends of spicy seasonings, will rise into the air Sunday, May 16 at the Western Days Chili Cookoff in Old Town Temecula. The ICS-sanctioned event offers a $500 cash prize for the best red, $175 for the best Chili Verde and $75 for the best People’s choice recipe prepared at the event.


There are three ICS Categories, Red Chili, Chili Verde and Salsa. People’s choice is for Red Chili and Chili Verde. Cooking begins at 9 a.m. and People’s Choice Chili is available for tasting beginning at 1 p.m. Awards are at 4 p.m. Applications are available online at http://www.temeculacalifornia.com/chilir10.pdf or call (951) 693-3952.

Western Days celebrates the history of the Old West in Old Town Temecula, with costumed characters, western music, calf roping lessons, stagecoach rides and a variety of exhibits. The Old Town Temecula Gunfighters host a western skit and gunfight competition from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at the corner of Old Town Front Street and Fourth.

At high noon both days the Temecula Gunfighters treat the crowd to a comical bank robbery featuring dozens of bad guys in a final shoot out with the sheriff and his posse.

A Cattle Call competition will be held by Oldtowntemecula.com and will feature colorful calves created from wooden saw horses. Last year’s entrants included everything from a zebra-striped cow to one made to represent wine country.

Judy Taylor and Wild Oats trio will perform Saturday beginning at 12:30 p.m. Older than Dirt provides their western selections on Sunday at 12:30 p.m.

Old Town Temecula features over 100 antique stores, boutiques, and curio shops in a charming Old West setting. Arrive early Saturday to take in the Farmer's Market held at Sixth and Front Street. The Market is open until noon.

Several fine restaurants offer a variety dining. To visit Old Town Temecula take the 15 Freeway to Rancho California Road or Highway 79 south and follow the signs leading to Old Town Front Street. Public parking is free. For more information call (951) 693-3952 or visit the website at www.temeculacalifornia.com.