This year, the Chili Cookoff and the Artisan's Fair are on the same day. So, after attending one, we went to the other on the opposite end of the island. The Chili Cookoff is put on by the United Way of the Virgin Islands at Divi Carina Bay Hotel as a fund raising event. This year, the winner will be going to Terlingua TX to compete for the VI there at their big Chili Cookoff.

	We enter the hotel and descend to the beach.

	There were many entries this year, including an increase in Vegetarian Chili entries. Culinary students also participated in the Veggie category.

	Of course, most of the chili has already been eaten. We're getting some of what we can find still available. A look at one chili variety, so far...

	A few more chili tastes. Chillin' with chili. See that water bottle, it's HOT!

	Good friends are everywhere on the beach. A feeling of cameraderie fills the air, along with the smell of chili.

	Walking along the water's edge, we walk toward the East and see the castle on the hill. A fisherman has just come in and all the frigate birds and seagulls are circling, looking for their tasty morsels.

	Dancing began in earnest to the varied sounds of the Outlaws in Paradise band.

	The electric slide was being performed closer to the water's edge.

	And then it was time to announce the winners. The United Way members were ready with the results. There were winners in the Vegetarian Chili category as well as the Regular Chili category.

	Two of the Vegetarian Chili winners were students of culinary arts at the St. Croix Educational Complex. We are very happy for the budding chefs.

	And now, the winner of the Chili Cookoff. Cosmic Chili which won several categories was the winner going off to Terlingua Texas for the grand championship of Chili Cookoffs. It doesn't look like she will need a plane to get there, a little bit higher and she can fly there on her own steam. We have never seen a happier winner.

	The winner of the doorprize - half the entrance fees - was verified and walked away a richer man. We all did, in one way or another.