Chili Cookoff And Benefit Concert In UP: Get Your Tickets Now

UNIVERSITY PLACE, WA — Eat chili and help fund the production of a sculpture that honors a piece of University Place history during a special chili cook off and benefit concert at UP's United Church in August.

The combined event will be held at 3912 Grandview Dr. beginning at 5 p.m. Aug. 22. Tickets are $40 per person, and kids 5 and younger get in free.

The chili cook off, which is scheduled to run from 5 to 6:45 p.m., will give ticket holders an opportunity to taste and vote on four types of meat and vegetarian chili and cornbread concocted by personnel from University Place Police Department and West Pierce Fire & Rescue. After their tasting session and vote submission, attendees will be invited to head across the street for a classic rock/country concert at Curran Apple Orchard Park.

Featuring live music performed by The Neon Mustang Band, the benefit concert will bring a rocking country and classic rock setlist inspired by artists such as The Rolling Stones, Brooks and Dunn, ZZTop, Tom Petty, and Merle Haggard.

Sponsored by UP for Arts, the benefit event will raise money for "Forever Friends," a life-size bronze sculpture of a young girl offering an apple to a very special horse, created by artist John Jewell.

Giving tribute to Charles and Mary Curran and their horses Brewster and Christopher, "Forever Friends" honors the legacy of the Currans and their contribution to the University Place community.

"The police and fire departments are really gearing up to win the Chili Champion title," UP for Arts Vice President Debbie Klosowski said in a statement, noting also that besides determining who makes the best chili, event goers will also be helping to bring a fabulous sculpture to the community.

For tickets and more information, visit www.upforarts.org.