Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - The American Legion and Navy League are sponsoring their 2nd Annual Charity Chili Cook-Off featuring more than 15 recipes from a broad range of sponsors, including local restaurants and individuals. This always popular event will be held on Saturday, March 29 from 1-5 pm at El Rio Bar and Grill alongside the Cuale River in Paso Ancho.

It's an "all you can eat" chili plus one order of rib lets and agua fresca costing just $200 pesos per person. El Rio regular menu items are available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance from any of the event's sponsors, including Steve's Sports Bar and Carol's Boutique, both on Basilio Badillo. You won't want to miss this one!

Charities benefiting from the cook off include Proyecto Pitillal Busca Un Amigo, which is a non-profit A.C. child care and rehabilitation facility for underprivileged children with Cerebral Palsy; the Banderas Bay Women's Shelter, and the Youth Sports and Community Relations Projects in which the American Legion and Navy League participate.

Doors will open at 1 pm, with Mariachi performing from 1 to 2:30 pm, followed by a performance by Mikki Prost, and Nacho Daddy's Band finishing the entertainment. There will be two classes of chili judging: one by the attendees' popular vote to determine 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies, and another by three of Vallarta's top chefs, who will award a "Grand Chef's Prize."

To become a sponsor and/or a participant in the cook-off, you must agree to provide at least 5 gallons of your special chili and preferably bring your own heating unit. Call Dennis Rike at 322-138-8891 or dennis2rike(at)hotmail.com to sign up as a participant or to get additional information regarding the event.

El Rio Bar and Grill is conveniently located alongside the beautiful Cuale River in Paso Ancho. If coming from the south or El Centro, turn right off the Libramiento just past the bridge and before the new large tunnel. If coming from the north, turn left at the river road past the large tunnel and before the bridge. If traveling by bus, you should take the 04 Blue bus from Old Town (Lazaro Cardenas) to Paso Ancho. Free parking will be available.