The Chili-Cook-Off attracted a large crowd this year; twelve thousand to be exact within the three-day period of the event. Not only was there a new crowd but a new location at the Malibu Knolls as well. Most wouldn’t have seen the problem but for the people living directly behind the carnival, the new location wasn’t as appealing. Some believed that the noise was too loud and the lights to bright at night. For everyone else however the carnival was a great success. There was live music, carnival rides, games, and food kiosks. However Chili and stuffed animals weren’t the only things that people walked away with. Actor and Malibu local Dick Van Dyke revealed the winning ticket of a raffle on Sunday in which a local, Linda MacDonald, won a Mercedes-Benz GLK 350. A silent auction was held to raise money toward Kiwanis Club charities and local programs. Performances included a musical introduction by the Our Lady of Malibu Musical Theatre Company Ensemble, and Van Dyke dancing a  jig out of “Mary Poppins”. The festival had 10 chili contestants against each other on Saturday and 11 on Sunday. The judges consisted of  the Malibu Coast Lifeguards and West Hollywood-based restaurant Chili Addiction. Malibu Business and Shipping Center (MBSC) picked up the People’s Choice Awards. Many locals are happy to know that the Chili Cook-Off will be continuing it’s exciting tradition in 2011. If you missed it this year, we hope from everyone in Malibu to see you there in 2011.