McGroarty Arts Center is presenting the 17th Annual Chili Bowl Fest and Holiday Art & Craft Faire over the weekend of Dec. 7-8. This year’s event will be expansive, offering the handmade creations of 35 local artisans within the historic McGroarty Arts Center and throughout the upper parking lot. Live music will be provided by Wumbloozo, Sean Wiggans, Franny McCartney and Clean Slate (to mention a few). Addressing parking concerns of the past, administrators have arranged for additional free parking a short distance down the road at Remnant University (7754 McGroarty St.) with a shuttle to bring guests to and from McGroarty. The Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council will also be offering free rides up and down the McGroarty driveway on Saturday and Sunday in a comfortable six-person golf cart from local business. GCIV.

On Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be approximately 1,400 chili bowls available for purchase, handmade by McGroarty ceramics students and teachers. Guests can pick a one-of-a-kind bowl, choose a homemade chili to fill it then add their choice of toppings. In addition, there will be craft beer and sodas, live music, a bake sale, dining tables, and 35 unique art and craft vendors filling the center building and the upper parking lot.

On Sunday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the focus turns to family and kids. Chili will continue to be sold in the handcrafted bowls, and there will be a photo op with Santa, Christmas music, cookie painting for the kids and more! There will be plenty of shopping opportunities for unique holiday gifts provided by the 35 art and craft vendors.

This event is a fundraiser for the non-profit McGroarty Arts Center.