I’ve got to say one of my favorite parts about living at the beach isn’t beach itself, though that is nice. It’s all the events! There is ALWAYS something going on, which, for a small-town country girl, is a NICE change-up. I particularity like going to the ones that involve food if you haven’t noticed!
Recently, I went to the 8th Annual Chili Cook-Off at the Island Bar & Grill in Pawleys Island. It’s held every year in their parking lot, and this time around, there were around 30 vendors. Most of the space was utilized by local restaurants and groups serving up delicious samples of chili. After all, it is a chili cook-off. What else would you expect?
But there was more to it than JUST chili. There were merchants selling colorful jewelry, unique items designed with shark teeth, hand-crafted pottery, AMAZING pies and pastries, and other goodies. Some of the businesses around IBG, like Coastal Carolina Winery, were also taking part in the fun. There was face painting and a huge bounce house for the kids too, and Miracle Max and the Pet Monsters performed as well!
It was an absolutely BEAUTIFUL day. The sun was out, and there was a slight breeze. I even got sunburned! Sunburned! In the winter!
I thoroughly enjoyed IT ALL: hanging with my friends, supporting businesses in the area, and, last but definitely not least, helping out local kids with life-threatening conditions.
The event is hosted by the Midway Professional Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 3617, and IBG in Pawleys Island, and it benefits Make-A-Wish South Carolina. The Make-A-Wish Foundation’s mission is create these life-changing wishes for minors, two-and-a-half years or older, with critical illnesses. And when those wishes are granted? The impact is HUGE! It can help give them additional strength, physically and emotionally, to keep fighting.
This year, the chili cook-off raised $9,800, and they are hoping to break $10,000 by continuing to sell stars and t-shirts at IBG for the next couple of weeks!
And if you were curious how everything else played out?
Well, I went home with a belly full of chili and drinks, like most people did, a sunburn and heartburn.
There were some though that left with awards! Here they are – the official results!
For Judges Choice:
1st: Coastal Staffing
2nd: Weichert Realtors
3rd: Axemen
For People’s Choice:
1st: Rustic Table
2nd: PoBoys Discount
3rd: Hanser House
For Public Safety Division:
1st Place: Axemen (Winner Takes All)
Although the event has passed, you can still help make a wish come true! Maybe head to IBG one day or evening, eat some delicious food (the sliders are my fav), and give back by purchasing a star or t-shirt! Or you can go to Make-A-Wish to donate, volunteer, become a sponsor or help out in other ways.
