Chili Cook-Off and Car Show

Story and Photos by Pat Krause

The Palm Springs Air Museum held its annual Chili Cook-Off and Car Show on Saturday, Oct. 31, and it turned out to be a great way to celebrate Halloween.

Hundreds of people came out to see an unbelievable collection of cars, ranging from beautiful old classics to newer models. There were about 150 cars to look over, and car enthusiasts were busy checking them out and choosing their favorites.

Dick Shalhaub, Cliff Boyles, Dick Bentley and Fred Bell at a chili station

I had a couple of favorites myself. Many owners had their hoods open so visitors could get a good look at the engines and all the work that went into them. One car especially caught my attention because its engine had been decorated in gold, along with another section in the rear. It was definitely hard to miss.

Frank Wenzel and Ron Cressy in front of a 1946 Chrysler Town and Country ready for a trip

At 11 a.m., the chili tasting got underway, and people quickly lined up for tickets. There were 14 chili stations, with volunteers serving everything from mild to hot, sweet and even vegan chili. Tables gave everyone a place to sit, taste the different recipes and decide which one deserved their vote.

Since it was Halloween, plenty of visitors and volunteers came in costume. Families brought their children, many already dressed and ready for trick-or-treating later that night. There were treats for the kids throughout the museum, making the day about much more than cars and chili.

The family of Mike Contreras, owner of a purple 1983 El Camino auto with a gold-trimmed engine

Of course, this was also a chance to see the airplanes.

If you haven't visited the Palm Springs Air Museum lately, it is worth another trip. They have added so much over the past year or two. The front of the museum has a new look, and statues that were once inside have been moved outside near the entrance.

Craig Korthase, John Hill and Robb Thomas next to a DeLorean auto with the look of the future.   

I was especially impressed by the new gift shop. The former theater area has been transformed, and the hallway leading from the museum to the shop has an entirely new appearance. Glass-enclosed showcases are filled with miniature airplanes, and the gift shop offers a wide variety of merchandise, including clothing.

There were interesting surprises everywhere. One aircraft has a Chrysler engine, so a Chrysler automobile was displayed beneath its wing. Visitors also had an opportunity to climb inside a B-17 and get a closer look at a piece of aviation history.

Proceeds from the chili tasting help support the Air Museum's volunteers, who put in countless hours throughout the year helping keep the museum running. The car owners deserve recognition, too. Many spend years restoring and maintaining the automobiles they proudly bring out for everyone to enjoy.

Between the chili, costumes, classic cars and historic aircraft, there was plenty to see and do. And even without a special event, seeing all the aircraft now on display makes the Palm Springs Air Museum worth another visit.