CHILLY it might have been at first, but the 24th Sawtell Chilli Festival took place in glorious winter weather, a far cry from the rain of last year.

More than 5,000 patrons happily parted with the $5 entrance fee to wander First Avenue, along with as many as 3,000 children, teenagers and others to browse the more than seventy stalls, watch spicy wing-eating competitions and cooking demonstrations and listen to music.

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NSW Governor Margaret Beazley attended the festival with Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh.

Ms Beazley chatted with MC Ben Stevenson, from Another Tasty Event, at the opening of the festival and then mingled and chatted with festival goers.

However, Her Excellency declined the opportunity of competing in the spicy wing-eating competition as did Mr Singh, despite a short chant of “Gurmesh! Gurmesh!”, but Brit Ramsey from NBN rose to the challenge.

Karen Martini, from Better Homes and Gardens, conducted cooking demonstrations and used jalapenos in her dishes.

She also signed copies of her new book, “Cook”.

Festival goers had a wonderful array of chilli-based sauces, flavourings, foods and drinks that were available as well as other food and drink stands and stalls selling clothing, candles and other wares.

First Avenue businesses also opened, with a number also getting into the ‘chilli spirit’.

Chatting at the event Clive Greenway, Sawtell Chamber of Commerce chairman, reckoned it had been a wonderful and successful day.

“The beautiful weather helped make it an enjoyable day for all that exceeded our expectations,” he said.

By Andrew VIVIAN