Crowds Make Mad Rush For QZ

It appears the RV pundits have been proved wrong, again.

The rumor had it that Quartzsite wouldn't see the big crowds this year. And for a while it looked as though they might be right--even after Christmas the numbers of folks rolling through town just wasn't up to the usual standard. But look out! When the first of the shows in the big tent opened, they were here.

Traffic in beautiful downtown Quartzsite is back to its usual "slow and go" status. Want to cross over I-10 via the Highway 95 bridge? If you're going south, add about 15 minutes to your normal drive time. Got a mailing to send out of the post office? Be sure to take a copy of War and Peace ti keep you company. Gonna meet somebody for lunch at Burger King? Take the freeway rather than the B-10.

Vendors are hoping you'll bring your money. And they hope you'll stay awhile. Yep, it's high season in Quartzsite.

Quartzsite RVers Gas Up at Chili Cookoff

Mark your calendars for a free fill up: February 23 marks the date of the big Arizona State Chili Championship. This year Quartzsite has the honor of hosting, and as is typical of earlier chili-meets, this one will be held at Tyson Wells Showgrounds.

This year the competition will be--well, hot--between the menfolk and the womenfolk, as the competition will pit men v men and women v women. And to stir things up a bit, there will be "official" competition where the chili is meat and sauce, while "The Peoples' Choice" awards will include chili with rice and other fillers.

Howz yer chili, mister? If you think you're a hot shot in a chili contest, you too, can enter this year's contest. Contact the official promoter and sponsor, the Quartzsite Business Chamber of Commerce at (928) 927-9321.

photo: dkpto on flickr