No matter the weather, the Similkameen Sizzle is expected to be hotter than ever.
The event, happening this Saturday at Memorial Park, is expected to have more vendors, more chilli cook-off entrants, and more things to do than previous years.
Colleen Christensen, one of the event organizers being put on by Similkameen Country, the Keremeos and Area Chamber of Commerce said there’s excitement in the air around this year’s event.
“It’s only a few days away and everyone is getting really excited. This is going to be a great year and we’ve got quite a few new things for people to check out,” she said.
New things this year include dancing by East Indian elders, and later in the day salsa dancing lessons with professionals. A wide variety of vendors, eateries and inflatable games for adults and children will fill Memorial Park.
The event kicks off with pre-event on Friday night at 6 p.m, which includes a family dance with band the Fender Benders, and food vendors setup as well as a beer garden.
Saturday starts with pancake breakfast at 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. put on by the Keremeos Elks, followed up by the famed chilli cook-off at 11:30 a.m. where friends, neighbours and organizations compete against each other for who makes the best chilli. There’s also a jams, jellies and hot sauce competition where the judges are sure to set their mouths on fire determining who has the best offerings.
Throughout the day a DJ will play music as people peruse through vendors alley or play on the different inflatables setup.
The Elks will cook up lunch as appetite grows for the annual hot pepper eating contest.
The contest pits heat lovers against each other for a cash prize.
The day also includes auctioning off hot pepper plants, raffles, 50/50 and is licensed for those needing to quench their thirst.
