Chili weekend forecast for Carson City

The 34th Annual Carson City Chili Cook-off and Craft Fair is expected to draw foodies from across the region this weekend, with tastings offered from11 am. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Glen Eagles Restaurant.

"It's going to be a great way to spend a beautiful day in Carson City," said Marilyn Lewis of Soroptimist International of Carson City. "Glen Eagles has all those big trees, so it will be comfortable for everyone in the shade."

International Chili Society members, at least six world champions, local businesses, organizations and individuals will cook up their favorite chili recipes for the community to enjoy.

Along with the People's Choice of Carson City chili competition, the International Chili Society will hold the High Sierra Regional Chili Cook-off on Saturday, and the Nevada Capital Regional Chili Cook-off will be on Sunday, so foodies are expected both days to sample and evaluate the different recipes.

The winners of the society's two cookoffs will qualify for the 2011 World Championship Chili Cookoff in Manchester, N.H., in October. Trophies will be awarded both days of the event.

Cooks will start assembling their chili early in the morning both days, Lewis said, and chili tasting will be available all day. Soroptimists will sell chili tasting kits and host a raffle with proceeds benefiting the club's community projects.

The Joseph Greco band will play traditional country classics both days. The craft fair will include a variety of items for sale, and raffles will be held through the weekend.

Corey Clown will create balloon animals for children from 1:30-5 p.m. today. On Sunday, Sparkie the Clown and Zippy the Face Painter will be performing from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

"Glen Eagles will also be selling hamburgers, hot dogs, beer and sodas, so it's going to be a party," Lewis said.

Soroptimists is a worldwide organization for women in management and professions working through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women.