Fortuna Rodeo July 14 - 20, 2008

Part of the popular summer event, the Fortuna Rodeo, the first day of the event is normally launched with a Chili Cook-Off.

The city of 10,000+ inhabitants come out to cook, sample and vote on the winning recipes in an annual event with some tough critics. People in Fortuna know their chili, so don't expect to walk away with the prize, unless you've made the exceptional batch.

Beginning on Monday of Rodeo week, the Chili Festival launches an awesome week of activities, food and entertainment. Held downtown, live entertainment and a hungry crowd gather to sample and vote on their favorite chili recipes.

Getting a cup and plastic spoon for convenient street dining, most wander from booth to booth where the big pots are filled and steaming with the delicious, hot and sometimes spicy blends that normally include beef, tomatoes, salt and pepper, to name a few ingredients.

Fortuna is located approx. 100 miles of San Francisco along the California northern coast, next to the giant redwood forests. Although there are approx. four hotels in the city, they do fill up during the summer events such as the Fortuna Rodeo, so you may end up staying north a little ways in Eureka where you'll find lots of options for accommodations. For more information about the chili cook-off event and the exciting rodeo, be sure to check updates on fortunarodeo.com

Fortuna Chili Cook-Off is one of many such California Chili Cook-Offs.

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