Kirkwood’s annual chili cookoff Labor Day weekend

Great weather, live music and award-winning chili have become traditional fare at Kirkwood Mountain Resort’s annual Thin Air Chili Cookoff, part of a full lineup of family-friendly events scheduled to take place Labor Day weekend.

Originally intended as a summer sendoff party for Kirkwood homeowners and Lake Tahoe locals, the event has grown to attract chili aficionados from across Northern California and Nevada with a cash prize and bragging rights on the line for the winning recipe.

In addition to a variety of expertly crafted chili recipes to sample, event attendees can taste the latest offerings from regional wineries and breweries while grooving to the music of Mick Martin & the Blues Rockers as they perform on the Village Plaza throughout the afternoon. The action gets underway Sept. 4 from noon-5pm with a $20 admission fee covering chili and beer/wine tasting.

Thin Air Chili Cookoff veterans have learned to work up a healthy appetite by participating in the annual 5K and 10K runs hosted by the Tahoe Mountain Milers and Sage Brush Stompers. This year’s races will mark the event’s 30-year milestone and are scheduled to get under way on Sept. 4 at 9am with half mile and 1 mile fun-runs.

The 10K trail climbs nearly 1,500 feet and is widely recognized as one of Northern California and Nevada’s most challenging high alpine races, attracting elite caliber athletes and recreational runners alike. The 5K course meanders through the wetlands of the preserved 220-acre Kirkwood meadow.

Preregistration is $35 and available online at www.race360.com; otherwise, the entry fee is $40 the day of the event with all proceeds from registration fees benefiting the Kirkwood Volunteer Fire Department. Registration on race day will be open from 8:15am to 9am. Further information can be found by visiting www.tahoemilers.org or by calling (775) 588.2864.