The Island Pacific Academy Parent Association (IPAPA) hosted its 8th Annual Chili Cook off on Saturday, March 19. Fourteen chili chefs competed to earn one of three coveted prizes: Crowd Favorite, Judges’ Favorite and Best Display. Congratulations go to Jeff and Ruth Babas for winning the award for Crowd Favorite, Mark and Jessica Green for earning the Judges’ Favorite award and to Pam and John Peacock for the Best Display!
Jessica Green and family accept the award for Judges’ Favorite.
If you weren’t full from tasting all the chili, there were plenty of activities to try. Kids big and small competed with the “tug o’ war” ropes, played corn hole, and tested their skill lassoing the “bull”. Children and adults alike enjoyed the small animal petting zoo; and the pony rides and bounce house were a hit with the kids! The mechanical bull made a return visit from last year’s chili cook off to the excitement of everyone! And, a new addition to this year’s activities was line dancing led by IPA’s own second grade teacher Patti Dela Cruz and her husband, Mark. Additional live entertainment was provided by IPA’s student band, Navigator Records. “It looks like we have had a great turnout and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves,” commented Kip Cummings, Secondary Principal. “This has really become a great IPA community event,” agreed Steve Ross, Elementary Principal.
Isabel Porcello (’24) tests her skills on the mechanical bull.
Mr. Ross was one of numerous attendees that got “sent to jail” at the cook off. IPAPA created a jail cell to which folks could send their friends for a dollar per minute. The “prisoner” could also pay bail to be released early. The games and dancing were free but the bounce house, pony rides and the mechanical bull ride required the purchase of a wrist band. In addition to the chili, you could purchase tasty fixin’s such as cornbread, rice and hotdogs, as well as lemonade and shave ice to put out the fire. “This is the most successful chili cook off we have had at the school so far!” exclaimed Michele Glukfeld, IPAPA President. “I am thrilled that we can provide an event that brings the IPA community together like this and can earn money for the school as well.”
Proceeds from the event will help support the purchase of a monument sign for the school which will be located on the corner of Haumea and Wakea Streets.
Laura Smith Carcamo and her sons, IPA students Freddie (’24) and Matthew (’27) enjoy some chili in the shade.
