A hearty toast with 3" mugs! (Image by: Kati Garner)

What could be a better way to help raise funds for youngsters than to offer great beer and chili to those of us above the legal drinking age?

Lots of folks were roaming Southside Park with a small plastic bowl and fork in one hand and a three-inch tall beer mug in the other, sampling the edibles and drinkables yesterday.

The goal of the event was to raise money for art programs that assist at-risk children, children of homeless families and fund adopt a school art program for Sacramento Regional Schools.

Hopefully this is the first of more annual Beer and Chili Fests!

Folks were in good spirits.

After checking in with my compadres at the Sacramento Press booth, I did what I do best.

I roamed to catch the flavors of the event with cameras dangling, baby beer mug at the ready.

Early on I spotted Ginna Rossi, Rossi Sculptured Designs, at the left area of the stage. Image by: Kati Garner

She, along with kids 12 and up, were welding silverware (forks, spoons - you know…..eating utensils).

They were making trophies for the event.

 Here are some scenes from yesterday: He told me he had to hold his chili bowl somewhere! (Image by: Kati Garner) Image by: Kati Garner

Image by: Kati Garner Image by: Kati Garner Musicians performed on the stage. (Image by: Kati Garner) Image by: Kati Garner The passing of the mug! (Image by: Kati Garner) Drink it gone! (Image by: Kati Garner) Image by: Kati Garner Chili!!! (Image by: Kati Garner) Image by: Kati Garner Image by: Kati Garner Image by: Kati Garner Lots of beer activity under the trees. (Image by: Kati Garner)

First place winners from the "Industry" and "Individual" categories (Image by: Courtesy Russa Boyd)

Update: The first place winners in the "Individual" category were Russa Boyd and Krista Boyd Smith.  The "Industry" category winners were as follows:

1st place- Golden Bear
2nd place- Tuli Bistro and Restaurant Thir13en
3rd place- Ink Eats and Drinks