On Saturday, December 6, 2014, Harris Field played host to some of the most adventurous chili chefs in all of South Dade during this year’s International Chili Cook-Off School Competition and Community Carnival. In just its second year, the City of Homestead Chili Cook-off has fast become one of the premier affairs to attend during the busy month of December.
The event presents a wonderful opportunity to not only compete for bragging rights but, more importantly, to win cash prizes that will help fund the PTA’s and PTSO’s of winning schools in the Homestead area. This year’s theme challenged the various teams to infuse their creations with flavors from around the world. In addition to the savory offerings, the event was marked by hundreds of children and their families enjoying carnival rides, face painting and live music while taking in the extraordinary weather typical of South Florida this time of year.
“I look forward to this event because it affords me the opportunity to work shoulder to shoulder with the bright minds and dedicated hearts of each and every member of the Mayor’s Youth Council,” said Councilwoman Patricia Fairclough who spearheaded the event along with the Mayor’s Youth Council. “It’s truly a blessing to mentor these young people and really get them involved in what it takes to plan and execute an event of this size. Once again, they have outdone themselves.”The winners in the various categories include Sweet Vine Community Center for “Best Presentation,” Somerset Oaks, first place for “Most School Spirit,” La Jardin and Miami Community Charter School both placed second for “Most School Spirit,” there was a first place tie for “Most Tastiest” between Center for International Education-Cambridge and the Charter School at Waterstone, a second place tie for the same category between First United Methodist School and Homestead Senior High School with third place going to Somerset Soho. The “Community Choice Award” was won by First United Methodist School followed by second place winners Miami Community Charter School. All told, the event raised almost five thousand dollars for area schools.