Wow, what a weekend!
The vendors were great! We really need to thank Defcon, not only for putting on the Death Match, but for the time and energy they put into their booth. You’ll have to look at the photos from the event to understand, but Defcon’s booth – and costumes were very unique; it was even hard to look John in the eye…
We were fortunate not only to have the big flames like Defcon, CaJohn, Hot Shots and Porky’s at the Weekend of Fire, which was awesome; but up-and-coming flames like Marco’s with his Not Yet Famous Salsa which made it into the salsa finals. Confetti Peppers, 5 Generations and Jakk Hammer all made their first appearance this year – and said they’d be back in 2010!
Intensity Academy unexpectedly began a new feature at our show with their Lolly-Lick-A-Thon. Because of Michelle’s great idea to hold the lick-a-thon, which drew guests to the Oscar Event Center lobby to watch, we’re planning more events next year. So for all you vendors out there, here’s your chance to show off your products. Let us know if you have any ideas.
We can’t leave out the Death Match. For all of you who came to the show and didn’t stay for the Match, you really missed out. There are lots of photos on www.weekendoffire.com, so check it out. You won’t want to miss it again!
Thanks to all who joined us for the action. We hope you enjoyed the show and left with as much heat and flavors as you could stand!
For one weekend each summer, Greater Cincinnati will be the center of the hot sauce universe.
Those of you who live in Southwestern Ohio, Northern Kentucky, or Southeastern Indiana, you probably have heard of Jungle Jim's International Market. With the addition of an event center, it was only a matter of time before a Fiery Foods Show would become an annual event at the Jungle.
So mark your calendars for the first weekend each August, and join the manufacturers and diehard chileheads who make the pilgrimage to Jungle Jim's annual "Weekend of Fire" Hot Sauce Show. The annual event is held inside The Oscar Event Center, located adjacent to the Jungle Jim's six and a half acre megastore in Fairfield, Ohio, just north of Cincinnati.
The "Weekend of Fire" show will be a complete consumer oriented show and those people who love hot sauce will have a big reason to visit Jungle Jim's. The store's hot sauce and other extremely spicy grub selection is second to none with over 1400 different hot sauce selections alone. Hot sauce fan blog sites and messageboards were abuzz about the event last year, listing hotel and other travel information.
Guaranteed to be a "HOT" time for all!
» Weekend of Fire Salsa Contest Details
What will be offered at the Weekend of Fire?
Top-Notch Exhibitors
A Who’s Who of the Hot Foods Industry will be on hand - Jungle Jim’s established retail stable of Hot Foods Companies - with local, regional, national and imported brands – obscure to absurd, boutique to basement, organic to ordinary to extraordinary!
All Items Available for Purchase
Any additional items after the show can be purchased anytime at Jungle Jim’s. We have the largest collection of fiery foods available at retail in North America. Our in-store Fire Truck Hot Sauce display features over 1400 kinds of hot sauce lined up from A to Z; plus barbecue sauces, salsas, sops, mops, marinades, rubs, mustards, snacks, jerky’s, peppers and more from the all 'cross the USA and ‘round the world!
Top-Notch Facility
Weekend of Fire is held on-site at the exciting, upscale Oscar Event Center at Jungle Jim’s International Market.
Easy Driving Access
Just minutes from I-75 and I-275 in Fairfield, Ohio - on Cincinnati’s North side.
Hot Foods and Family Fun
Thousands more "Foods with Attitudes" to taste and discover while shopping the six acres of food at Jungle Jim's International Market located adjacent to The Oscar Event Center. Acres of ample free parking with quick access to local restaurants! Plenty of hotel and motel accommodations within minutes of the Jungle! All day fun for the whole family!
Weekend of Fire General Information
Dates & Hours
Saturday, July 31, 2010 - 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 1, 2010 - 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location
The Oscar Event Center
Jungle Jim’s International Market
5440 Dixie Highway
Fairfield, Ohio 45014
Phone Number
513.674.6000
Website
www.oscareventcenter.com
Ticket Sales
Advance: $5.00 Per Person
At the Door: $7.00 Per Person
Children under 6 are free *
* Children under 16 MUST be accompanied by an adult!
Parking is Free!
Directions
Take I-275 to the Route 4/Dixie Highway Exit 41 (Hamilton/Fairfield exit)
Continue north 3.8 miles to Jungle Jim’s.
Click here for specific directions from Google.
Contacts
Jim Beckett
Hot Sauce and Fiery Foods Manager
513.674.6000 ext 6208
Jungle Jim’s International Market
513.674.6000 ext 6208 - office line
513.674.6034 - direct line
jbeckett@junglejims.com
Dianna Hood
Event Coordinator
The Oscar Event Center
at Jungle Jim's International Market
513.674.6055 - office line
dhood@junglejims.com
Weekend of Fire Salsa Contest
The finalists have been selected and we're now ready for final judging at the Weekend of Fire! Here is one of the contest organizers and chilehead, Buddah, giving all the details:
Weekend of Fire Salsa Contest Winners and a FREE Jar of Salsa for YOU!
This salsa contest started a few month back and now I am proud to announce the final 4 salsas judged to compete at the Weekend of Fir at Jungle Jim's International Market on August 1-2. When I say compete, what I mean is that YOU the chilehead will get to cast your vote to decide the ultimate winner in this competition to be declared the top overall salsa and reap the rewards that come with it. More on the rewards in a moment, but let me explain how YOU get to decide the fate in this salsa challenge.
Anyone going to the Weekend of Fire will get to sample all four salsas. You will have a ballot and can cast your vote for your favorite salsa. This is only for the first day, Saturday, August 1st, because on Sunday the 2nd, we will announce the winner.
I would like to thank all the wonderful companies who participated in Jungle Jim's 1st Annual Salsa Contest. Not everyone can win, but I found out how many great salsas are out there to be had. As you will see by the winning salsas below, it doesn't matter what region of the country you are in, a good salsa can come from anywhere and be made by anyone. When we do this again next you, we might have even stiffer competition and a lot more salsas to consume. I don not think I have ever had so much salsa in a two month period than for this contest. It was worth it, though. Thanks goes out to Jungle Jim's for letting me organize this for you and to my judges - Scott Roberts, Joe Bowen, and Joe and Linda Levinson - who did an awesome job deciphering who had the best salsa. A special shout-out to Bret Vitek who was the brains in making this possible. Thanks Bwana!
Here are the finalists in no particular order:
- Big Orson's "Citizen Cajun' Hot Mango Habanero Salsa (Georgia)
Marco's Not Yet Famous Medium Roasted Vegetable Salsa (Maryland)
Chuck Evan's Montezuma Brand Smokey Chipotle Lime & Garlic Salsa (Ohio)
Santa Fe Seasons' Grilled Garden Salsa (New Mexico)
These skilled salsa makers will have 5 cases (60 jars) or salsa purchased from them by Jungle Jim's International Market for the show. The public will decide who wins the grand prize. What is the grand prize you ask?
2nd Place: Jungle Jim's purchases 5 more cases of the winning salsa.
1st Place: Jungle Jim's purchases 10 more cases of the winning salsa. Winning company gets a free ad in Jungle Jim's weekly flyer for Labor Day weekend. Winning salsa will get a demo at Jungle Jim's the Saturday of Labor Day weekend and a plaque to commemorate your success.
The Weekend of fire show is a fun show, that I have gone to the last 2 years. Once the Saturday show is done you can march around the corner and witness the infamous Defcon Championship Deathmatch, (aka chicken wing eating contest for extreme chileheads). Whether you think you have the chops to participate or just want to watch the torture, it is fun for all. The Creator and his lovely Createss do not disappoint the crowd with this entertaining extravaganza. We also have a huge dinner planned on Sunday night once all the booths have been taken down and stored safely in the vendors' vehicles. Everyone is welcome; chileheads and fiery food makers alike. Last year we dined with about 30 people and had a ball. On Monday, we travel north to CaJohn's Fiery Food Factory where there is an open house and a BBQ feast for all who attend. No one has won more awards in this industry than them and you can see firsthand how the factory is run and ask the man behind it all - CaJohn - anything.
I hope you put this on your calendar for things to do this summer because you won't be sorry. Well, it all depends on how much hot stuff you consume to determine whether you will be sorry or not.
