Big Bear Lake, CA, July 9, 2013 – The Old Miners Association of Big Bear Lake is hosting a weekend of family-friendly activities including the Big Bear Chili Cookoff on Saturday, July 13. Sanctioned by the International Chili Society, the cookoff returns to the Bartlett Lot in the Village from 10am to 6pm. There are chili competitions in several categories, live music, vendors, and children’s activities. Adults get to have fun, too, with the crowning of Miss Chili Pepper and Mr. Hot Stuff, as well as the afternoon outhouse races. Admission is free, and chili tasting kits are only $5. Additional food and beer will also be available. Winning chili cooks advance to the world championships held in Palm Springs in October. Prizes will also be given for Best Decorated Booth, People’s Choice, and Best First-Time Cook. For more information on participating, go to the website or call Mark “Mr. Chili” Gaines at (909) 363-6592.
The Old Miners Association also hosts the Big Bear Bluegrass Festival, starting on Friday, July 12 and running through Sunday, July 14. Friday night festivities feature a number of bluegrass bands playing at local venues, many free of charge. On Saturday night, there will be a ticketed concert at Big Bear Lake’s new concert venue The Cave. There will also be a Sunday morning bluegrass brunch and paddle wheel cruise aboard Miss Liberty, bluegrass workshops, and bluegrass on the beach. Entertainment is provided by the Ash Street Ramblers, the Shadow Mountain Band, and the Wimberley Bluegrass Band, to name a few. For lineup specifics, venues, and to purchase tickets for shows and workshops, visit BigBearBluegrass.com.
