Chili At The Beach Sponsored by Downtown Huntington Beach Business District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1/1/09

Father's Day Weekend "Chili at the Beach" Festival

Huntington Beach, CA 'The 2nd Annual Chili at the Beach, a two-day Father's Day Weekend festival celebrating fathers, families, food, and fun, returns to Downtown Huntington Beach on June 20 and 21, 2009. Sponsored by the Huntington Beach Downtown Business Improvement District (HBDBID), this year's event features a Chili Cook-Off on Saturday and live entertainment, kids' activities, a car and motorcycle exhibit, and many more surprises throughout the weekend, according to Connie Pedenko, HBDBID executive director.

"2009 is the year of saving money, but that doesn't mean you should sacrifice having fun," Pedenko said. She and the HBDBID ambassadors representing businesses in the core shopping, dining, hotel and resort district of Huntington Beach invite the public to attend this free event that features entertainment for all ages, plus many store discounts and Father's Day specials.

On Saturday, June 20, there will be a chili cook-off between chefs representing Huntington Beach restaurants, businesses, and non-profit organizations. For $10, you can sample chili prepared fresh, then vote for your favorite recipe. Kids' bounce houses, live musical entertainment, a classic car show, vendor booths, and additional activities will be available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Sunday, June 21, the fun continues with an awards ceremony, check presentations and entertainment and activities from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Main Street will be closed to traffic both days during the event, and the streets will be filled with business exhibits, food, and entertainers in the three-block closure between Pacific Coast Highway and Orange Ave. Public parking garages, metered street parking and beach parking lots provide convenient access to the celebration.

A portion of the proceeds from the Father's Day Weekend "Chili at the Beach" festival will benefit Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). This non-profit organization provides care for children in need of medical attention.

In addition to several special events weekends throughout the year, HBDBID sponsors Surf City Nights each Tuesday from 5 to 9 p.m.

ABOUT HUNTINGTON BEACH DOWNTOWN BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT ORGANIZATION'Huntington Beach Downtown Business Improvement District was created as the destination marketing organization to ensure commercial success in the downtown business region comprised of Main Street and its surrounding radius near Huntington Beach Pier and Huntington City Beach. HBDBID became a 501(C)6 organization in April 2007. Consisting of an executive director, board of directors, ambassadors and stakeholders, this privately funded entity sets policies on issues concerning the business environment in downtown Huntington Beach.