HOT TICKET: Midwest’s biggest fiery food fest returns to Jungle Jim’s this weekend

Jungle Jim's Weekend of Fire will return Oct. 5 and 6. CONTRIBUTED

Jungle Jim's Weekend of Fire will return Oct. 5 and 6. CONTRIBUTED

How hot is hot?

It's a question that Jungle Jim's is going to be helping hundreds of visitors answer for themselves when they host the 13th annual Weekend of Fire.

The sampling show dedicated to spicy foods and condiments including salsas, mustards, rubs, hot sauce, marinades, beef jerky, and, of course, hot sauce.

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This year, organizers of the event are promising more samples, more fiery foods, and more heat with brand new competitions, awards and tasting options.

For those who crave spicy options the event is offering several fun opportunities.

The Singe Bar 

Craft your own hot and spicy cocktail at The Singe Bar. Bartenders will provide the spirits for you to make the perfect Bloody Mary. Make them as mild or as wild as you want and challenge your friends to try something new.

New Competitions 

New this year, they are pitting vendor against vendor in a fiery foods showdown to determine crowd favorites. Recipes from participating vendors will go head to head in the Arena of Fire. Weekend of Fire awards will be given to the best hot sauce, hot specialty item, salsa, BBQ, and hot non-sauce specialty item. Weekend of Fire attendees are encouraged to explore the festival to sample the diverse array of sauces, rubs, and condiments before casting their votes for their favorites.

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Test your mettle in the Arena of Fire 

Purchase your favorite products direct from the manufacturers. Each booth will have plenty of product on hand, so sample all you please and be sure to take some home for later. You can find some of the best deals of the year at the booths during the show.

The popular festival, dedicated to fiery foods ranging in heat from mild to wild, draws crowds from across the Midwest and beyond. It is expected to sell out both days and organizers are encouraging ticket purchases now for anyone who can stand all the heat and come back for more.

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Tickets prices are currently $10 (plus tax) for adults and $2 (plus tax) for children ages five to twelve. Children 4 years or younger are free.

Contact this contributing writer at alexis.e.larsen@hotmail.com. 

WANT TO GO?

What: Jungle Jim's Weekend of Fire

When: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 5 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 6

Where: The Oscar Event Center at Jungle Jim's International Market, 5440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield

Admission: Tickets prices are currently $10 (plus tax) for adults and $2 (plus tax) for children ages five to twelve. Children 4 years or younger are free.

More information: Junglejims.com/Weekend-of-Fire

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