Prince George, B.C. – The Community Arts Council’s Spring Arts Bazaar featuring the 41^st annual Great Northern Chili Cookoff takes centre stage today at Studio 2880.

The defending chili champs, the “Spice Cabinet” team of  MLAs Shirley Bond and Mike Morris, are back to take on eleven competitors with the public voting to determine the team with the most popular blend.  The challengers include the host Prince George Potters Guild, Prince George Public Library, Huble Homestead, BCNE, Theatre Northwest, Community Arts Council Board of Directors, Downtown Rotary Club, CFIS-FM, Jim Pattison Group and the Prince George Citizen.

The Chili Cookoff runs from 11 am to 2 pm and patrons purchase a bowl from artisans with the Prince George Potters Guild with instructions on how to go about sampling and voting for their favorite chili mixture.  Coldsnap is taking part in the event, presenting local musicians and artists.

The Spring Bazaar runs from 10 am to 3 pm with community groups and artists set up on the Studio 2880 grounds, selling their artworks, crafts and other items.  There is also a Pottery Seconds Sale of slightly imperfect handmade pottery.