Apr
30
2010
The Fire and Ice Street Festival, Vancouver, BC
Author: RockyEver fancied going to those famous Chili cook off competitions you hear about so often over here in the UK? here’s your chance if you’re off to Vancouver.. Tomorrow is the date of the 18th Annual Fire and Ice Street Festival at Qualicum Beach, Vancouver!
Vancouver Island’s famous chili cook-off is once again one of the centrepieces of the Qualicum Beach Fire and Ice Street Festival. Join them to see up to 25 teams in their decorated booths compete for the best tasting chili served by enthusiastic cooks. Teams must prepare a minimum of 75 litres of chili with each team having its own distinct flavour. A one-time cup purchase for $3.00 from the festival ticket sellers will allow you to go from team to team on the streets of our quaint and friendly town sampling the culinary fare and voting for your favourite. The teams, all from local restaurants, supermarkets, golf courses, organizations and businesses, are competing for the “Best Professional”, “Best Amateur”, and the coveted “PEOPLES CHOICE AWARD”.
But this is the fire and ice street festival, we know about the fire, but what about the ice? Well..
That’s covered by the Ice Carvers!
Ice carvers from Western Canada compete for prizes in this annual event. Up to 18 ice carvers will be at various locations throughout the town where spectators can gather round to watch as they work their magic with chainsaw and chisel on two large blocks of ice. Cash prizes are awarded for the 1st, 2nd & 3rd best ice sculptures. There will also be an “Honorable Mention” cash prize for the most interesting sculpture not placing in the top three.
Fire & Ice is a family-oriented street festival so there are lots of activities for the kids. Once again, the local branch of the Coastal Community Credit Union is sponsoring the “Kids Zone”. This is one of the busiest places in town with lots of little people getting their faces painted, listening to story time, playing games and participating in activities planned just for them. Volunteers are there all day to ensure that kids of all ages are entertained.
Music & entertainment will be ongoing all day on the streets of Qualicum Beach. The music varies from country and folk to jazz and rock all coming from three stages situated at various locations around town. Vancouver Island is home to some of B.C.’s finest performing artists and this festival will showcase their talents throughout the day. Stroll the streets of Qualicum Beach and listen to the music, as you taste the different varieties of chili.
If you aren’t flying today however, don’t be upset if you will miss this year’s festival, its annual so this is one of those things if you’re heading out next year round this time – make a point of adding it to that all important “to do” list!
