Anyone can enter the chili competition, and more than $500 in cash prizes are awarded in the judged competition. Several nurseries and green industries will be competing. Chili divisions include Traditional as well as Non-Traditional. Other awards include Best Overall Chili, the People’s Choice Award and my favorite, the Best Decorated Booth. To enter the competition, go to www.occan.org/events.html. There is no entry fee.
If you just want to taste the chili and get a chance to talk to the cooks, and maybe even get a recipe or two, it’s best to arrive early; gates open at 5 p.m. After most of the chili is gone (and the heartburn has begun), the gardening portion of the evening begins.
Thousands of dollars of plants and other garden products, generously donated by nurseries and their suppliers, are auctioned off to raise funds for charity. Flowers, trees, vines, roses, fruiting plants, planting mixes, tools, pottery, fountains and other items are auctioned to the highest bidder during several silent auctions and a live auction. In addition to plants and gardening products, there are always several other items to bid on as well. Lots of sports memorabilia, event tickets and professional services are common at the auction.
The auction often goes well into the night, and the values just get better as the night rolls on. Plants are usually sold at a fraction of their true value. Flowers are sold by the tray at prices you may never see again. Large trees are sold below wholesale. Fountains and pots go for a steal.
Empty out your trunk or borrow your neighbor’s pick-up truck. Better yet, bring your neighbor along, because at these prices it’s self service; you take it home with you.
