Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The 5th annual American Legion Post 14 Charity Chili Cook-Off is set for Saturday, February 25th, 1-5 pm, at beautiful El Rio BBQ Bar & Grill in Paso Ancho.

It's an "all you can eat" chili fest, featuring recipes from these sponsors:

All Access • American Legion • Captain Don's • Casa Anita • DZ Route 66 Diner • El Monaco • El Torito Sports Bar • Escondida Sports Bar • Kelly's Pour Favor • Luke's • Murphy's Irish Pub • Nacho Daddy • Navy League / Toys 4 Tots • Outback Steak House • Steve's Sports Bar • Torpedos Football Americano (Pop Warner) • 104.3 Radio

An order of El Rio's famous smoked riblets and an agua fresca is also included. Cost is $250 pesos per person. Regular El Rio menu items are also available for purchase. There is also a vegetarian Chili for those who have special diet needs.

Musical entertainment will be provided by Mikki Prost, The Bones, Dave Whitty, and the Texas Embassy Blues Band, featuring vocalist Sean Moore.

All of the proceeds from the cook-off go to local American Legion charities and the community, including the Banderas Bay Women's Shelter, Torpedos American Football, to help boys develop character and responsibility, and DIF New Life Home for at-risk boys.

American Legion Post 14 in Puerto Vallarta provides funding and community support under the auspices of the Punta Mita Foundation.

Last year's cook-off drew upwards of 500 chili and music lovers. It's expected that this year's event will meet or even exceed that number.

There will be two categories of chili judging - one by popular vote from attendees and one by professional judges. Last year's winners were:

Professional Judges
1st Place: American Legion
2nd Place: Casa Anita
3rd Place: Murphy's Irish Pub

Popular Vote
1st Place: American Legion
2nd Place: Nacho Daddy
3rd Place: Pour Favor

El Rio BBQ and Grill is located in Paso Ancho, in a beautiful setting alongside the Cuale River. Doors open at 1 pm.

Directions: From the south or El Centro/Old Town, take the Libramiento through the small tunnel, then turn right at the signal just past the bridge. From the north, turn left at the signal after the large tunnel and just before the bridge. It's strongly recommended, and a great tip, that attendees take the R-04 Blue bus from Old Town, on Lazaro Cardenas, which drops off at El Rio's front entrance. Limited free parking will also be available.

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 in Old Town. For more information, contact Dennis Rike at dennis2rike(at)hotmail.com, or 322-138-8891.