10th Annual Sugar & Spice

In Port Isabel there is a very special place where lost souls are nurtured, wounds are healed and new lives are begun. It’s the Laguna Madre Humane Society, a unique animal shelter where no cat or dog is ever euthanized.

This non-profit shelter is responsible for saving thousands of animals and creating life-long bonds for hundreds of families, bringing endless joy and companionship.

The employees and volunteers of the shelter work long, arduous hours keeping the animals healthy and happy. They scrub kennels, walk countless miles exercising their charges, and devote themselves to keeping the animals socialized so they have a better chance at a forever home. It is often a thankless job marred by the memories of animals that couldn’t be saved due to neglect or abuse.

They don’t do it for the money. They don’t do it for the esteem. They do it simply for the love of the animals.

As a non-profit, this shelter depends on the support of their community through donations, contributions and fundraising, and this Saturday everyone will have a chance to give back in a fun, family-friendly, entertaining way at the 10th Annual Sugar & Spice Chili Expo and Mercado.

Come out to Louie’s Backyard where the best amateur chefs in the Valley will be competing for cash prizes and trophies in four categories: red chili, vegetarian chili, free-style chili, and the People’s Choice Award. There will be over 20 chilis to sample for as long as supplies last. Cost is only $5 to sample – entry is free - with all proceeds going to the humane society. The public will get to vote for their favorite, while a panel of esteemed judges will score the other categories.

“Seventy percent of our chefs have taken part in this event every year,” said organizer Jacky Conrad. “We have one family, a father, wife and son, who have done it every year since the little boy was 4 years old. He’s now 14 and still cooking! It’s just a bunch of friends, locals and Winter Texans getting together.”

Chili tasting starts at 12:15 p.m. inside Louie’s Backyard at 2305 Laguna Drive on South Padre Island, but come early for the Mercado, a street fair just outside that features everything from arts, crafts, and jewelry to plants, collectibles and clothing. The Mercado runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.