Chili Cook-off and car show heats up at Cypress Festival

Free Fat Chili team

Hundreds of chili tastin’ folks arrived at the 32nd Cypress Community Festival on Saturday at Oak Knoll Park.

Hundreds of chili tastin’ folks arrived at the 32nd Cypress Community Festival on Saturday at Oak Knoll Park.

It was a typical sunny, California sunny day and the temps were hot at the chili cook-off event. Taster’s choice ballots were sold for $4 that included a pencil, ballot, plastic spoon, and a taster’s choice judge ribbon and button. According to Brian Sunley, chili cook-off chairperson, over 1,500 taster’s choice ballots were sold. And there were 30 chili-making cooks registered and 11 salsa makers entered that made up this year’s cook-off.

Around 4:30 p.m. the chili cook-off awards presentation started with the taster’s choice 1st prize going to Free Fat Chili. The 2nd prize went to C&C Chili. Third prize was given to Uncle Ron’s. The best chili by an attorney went to Ernie Nishii. The best-decorated booth award was presented to Blazin’ Bail Bonds and they also won for the best chili by a rookie. The best chili by a high school booster was given to Cypress High School Football. The best chili made for the fun of it award was given to the Class of ’81. And the best salsa award went to Krazy Kelly.

Many people also enjoyed checking out the numerous classic cars and vehicles that made up the 17th Annual Car Show. Close to 100 vehicles were featured. The Best of Show award was won by Carl Laski, owner of a 1917 Model T Fire Truck. And the Sponsor’s Choice award was given to Pat Sulferino, owner of a 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe.