Cinnabar Theater to Host Great Petaluma Chili Cook-Off, Salsa & Beer Tasting in May

Things are starting to get hot in Sonoma County! This May, Cinnabar Theater invites you to the Great Petaluma Chili Cook-Off, Salsa & Beer Tasting. Don't miss this 17th annual celebration of local chefs and amazing microbrews.

More than 40 teams serve up their finest meat and vegetarian chili as well as traditional or fruit salsa, while 16 breweries share several varieties of suds. It's a raucous good time with 1,500 of your neighbors and new best friends. This delicious event takes place at the fairgrounds in Petaluma on Saturday, May 10, 2014 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Bring the family for live music and fabulous food.

"With terrific food, brews, and bands, the Chili Cook-Off is always a great time," said Cinnabar's executive director, Terence Keane. "We're so grateful for all the restaurants, caterers, breweries, and businesses that make this event a huge success - and for all the teams who strive to outdo one another with delicious dishes. We're thrilled that so many people have a great time while raising money for a good cause."

The Great Petaluma Chili Cook-Off is a benefit for the children's programs that Cinnabar provides to the community. These activities for local youth include summer camps, regular after-school classes, talks with professional artists, discounted tickets, and four delightful shows performed entirely by kids such as upcoming productions of Grease and Once on This Island.

In fact, as part of the Chili Cook-Off, Cinnabar has received a matching grant to support the many programs it provides for youth. Every donation made between now and May will be doubled by the generous folks at Ocean State Job Lot Foundation - so double down with a tax-deductible gift to help local kids.

Many local restaurants and caterers are fielding teams for this year's Chili Cook-Off, including Beyond the Glory, the BBQ Spot, Petaluma Market, and Steelhead Brewing. Local businesses such as Exchange Bank, North Bay Smiles, Trader Joe's, and the Washington Square Vet Clinic are also competing - and it's not too late to participate. Enter at GreatChiliCookOff.com.

The beer garden features more than a dozen brewers including 101 North Brewing Company, 21st Amendment Brewery, Anderson Valley Brewing Company, Dempsey's Restaurant & Brewery, Eagle Distributing, Grand Teton Brewing Company, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Lost Coast Brewery, Ninkasi Brewing Company, Pabst Brewing Company, Ruth McGowan's Brewpub, Schubros Brewery, Speakeasy Ales & Lagers, Stone Brewing Company, St. Florian's Brewery, and Taps Restaurant & Tasting Room.

The Great Petaluma Chili Cook-Off, Salsa & Beer Tasting is sponsored by the O'Hamilton Trust. Tickets are free for kids under 5, $10 for ages 5-11, $25 for adults, or $40 with beer. To purchase a ticket, or for more information, call 707-763-8920 or visit GreatChiliCookOff.com. The event is held in Herzog Hall at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds: 100 Fairgrounds Drive in Petaluma.

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