On Saturday, June 23, 2018, the annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off will take place! In 1984, chili enthusiast, Mike Akey, started the first ever Ocean Beach chili cook-off. Akey and his father, Angie Scaramuzzo, traveled around California and Mexico to different chili cook-offs, inspiring Mike to start one in Ocean Beach. It started as a sanctioned event by the International Chili Society (ICS) where the winner could go on to compete in the State Cook-Off, and potentially, the National Cook-Off. In 1987, Akey decided to change it to an amateur competition.

Today, more than 70,000 people attend the street fair and chili cook-off. What started off as a small cook-off has grown into a big affair! This event is always looked forward to by the locals to celebrate their town and now it is enjoyed by people from all around. At this event, there will be an Artists Alley, Community Mural, Kids Fun Zone, Beachside Beer Garden, and four stages for music performances all day long!

The year’s street fair sure won’t disappoint so come on down, eat some chili, and have a good time with your community!  

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