Surfin' Chili 2004: We're Not There

For the first time since 1989, Surfin' Chili wasn't at the 2004 cookoff. This would have been our 15th year, but our co-captains all had other obligations: one got married the week before, one was her matron of honor, and the third was 4 months pregnant. Sadly, nobody wanted to step up and take up the reigns this one time, so we officially sat this one out.

However, we sure picked a good year to sit out. It started to rain about 10:45 a.m. and didn't let up for the rest of the afternoon - a cold, windy, torrential rain. The tarps were getting blown down, the DJ had to stop and bag his equipment before it got too wet, there was a half-inch of water on the pavilion floor, and drainage ditches looked like lakes. It's a wonder how any judging got done; nobody could make it to the pavilion for skits or games, and nobody was about to venture out for some chili tasting. No doubt all the teams had plenty of chili to take home.

As it has been said, "In essence, the gods themselves did weep bitterly that Surfin' Chili was unable to participate this year!"

11:27 a.m.

11:46 a.m.

We'll be back next year....