Spice Cabinet members (right) hold down the fort as one booth (left) is flipped by the wind on Saturday. Photos 250News

Prince George, B.C. – They could not have had a more appropriate dish for the Great Northern Chili Cookoff outside Studio 2880 on Saturday.

Things were rolling along just fine in the sunshine at the Community Arts Council’s Spring Bazaar and Chili Cookoff when, rather suddenly, weather happened.  Nasty weather.

The annual event is a joint fundraiser on behalf of the Arts Council and the Prince George Potter’s Guild.   A dozen artisans and another eleven teams in the cookoff had their wares on tables beneath tented booths.  The Guild had locally-made bowls for sale to patrons who then could head off to try out the chili recipes and vote for their favourite.

The day also included music from ColdSnap, face painting and a Canada 150 cake courtesy of the day’s sponsor, the Canadian Homebuilders Association.

The event began at 10 am under mostly sunny skies.  By 10:45 (ish) the sky was inundated with huge, ominous-looking clouds and the wind increased substantially.

Those operating the booths grabbed onto the roofing and tried to hold the frames of the structures in place.

The roofs blew off three booths and those vendors had to decide whether to remain or pack.  That decision was made a touch easier when the sky opened and it started to pour.  That was about the perfect time to head into Studio 2880 to look over the artworks inside.

“Great day for chili” was a common comment.  And the chili was pretty darned good.

By the way the votes in the Chili Cookoff were still being tabulated at last word.