Fortuna Rodeo Week begins with annual Chili Cook-off

FORTUNA, Ca (KIEM)– Fortuna Rodeo Week got underway Monday night with a chili cook-off along Main Street. The annual event is sponsored by the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce.

The family-friendly event allows the community to enjoy some free chili. There is also a competition between the teams for the best chili among other categories with the winners receiving trophies and bragging rights for the year.

“We do it every year just to promote the city and the fun down here, and fun for the employees. We love Fortuna, and we love this event,” said Early Ambrosini one of the participants for the chili cook-off.

“This is the best party in the world, said Fortuna Chili Chair Bob Judevine. So you get 25 teams out all bringing their special recipe, their special chili love, and competing at five o’clock. The town just fills up with 1,000 [to] 1,200 people, who are all interested in some delicious free chili.”

Fortuna Rodeo Week continues Tuesday with children’s games at the Redwood Village Shopping Center.