Come celebrate your 2009 Independence Day at the City of Palo Alto’s 28th Annual Summer Festival and Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, July 4, from noon to 5:00 p.m. at Mitchell Park, located at 600 East Meadow Drive. With live music featuring the band Livewire, DJ Efren Ayala, line dancing with Hedy McAdams, all kinds of activities for the kids in the Kids Korral, food vendors, and a heated chili competition this event is a perfect way to spend the holiday.

Close to 20 chili teams will compete this year in three categories, Corporate, Open, Vegetarian, for cash and prizes. Awards will also be given to the Best Decorated Booth, Best Spirit, and the People’s Choice—best chili voted by the public.

Public chili tasting begins at 1:30 pm, but tasting tickets will be on sale for $5 (for 5 tastes) starting at noon. Beer and margaritas will also be on sale at the Palo Alto Recreation Foundation booth.