If you didn’t go to the tree lighting ceremony last night at the Holden Beach Pavilion, you missed a really fun kick-off to the Holiday. This year the town hosted a chili cook-off as part of the event, in addition to the Christmas Caroling by the Holden Beach Chapel Choir, cookies, coffee and hot chocolate and most importantly, a visit from the big guy in red. Yep, you read that correctly. Santa Claus, himself, made a visit right here at Holden Beach.

I was so excited to see Santa after all these years, I could barely wait for all the kids to get through the line to see Santa, so I could talk to the old coot about that little mix-up back in 1964. (I asked for an erector set and Lincoln logs, got a tea set and a pink barbie coat). But just like most kids who wait anxiously to whisper in Santa ear, I was pretty tongue tied when it came my turn.

I asked Santa for affordable Health Care. It turns out that the old guy in red has similar issues. As he put it, “200 elves, they’re all short with bad knees, you can imagine the rates I has to pay.” I know my insurance doesn’t allow for hang-gliding, parachute jumping or family visits of over 4 days, so I guess his insurance rate is right up there with stunt doubles and race car drivers.

The trophy for the Chili Cook Off. Just Deserts for the Winner!

Salt Aire Bakery cake for the cake walk.

Anyhow, we heard there was a cake walk, so you know we had to get in that. And, when the town asked Salt Aire Bakery to sponsor the Chili Cook Off, we jumped at the chance to create the winner’s trophy. You guessed it, the trophy was cake. Spice Cake (in honor of Chili). There were 6 chili competers and plenty of chili eaters. Dennis Harrington took home the trophy for best chili with Peggy Schivonne coming in a close second. I tasted all the Chili. They were all good. I’m glad I didn’t have to judge.

All joking aside, the town and new Parks and Rec Chick, Amanda Rose, did a great job putting on the event. My hat (and my antlers) are off to all involved.