This year's Gold Strike Festival will have two new events:

Chili Cookoff
When: Saturday, June 21 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Where: On Grandview Avenue next to the stage under the tent
Who: All eight Arvada firehouses and the Battallion Chiefs.
Judging: By the people, spoons and ballots available at the cookoff
For: Your $5 donation goes to the Arvada FD's Fire Victim's Fund
Extras: Free fireman hugs and photo opportunities

Pie Baking Contest
When: Sunday, June 22
Drop off pies between noon and 1 p.m.
Judging between 1 and 2 p.m.
Where: On Grandview Avenue next to the stage under the tent
Who: Anyone can enter
How much: $5 entry fee
Entries: Any type of pie -- apple, shoofly, shepherd, pumpkin, etc.
Winners: First-place winner receives a cash prize, blue ribbon and
bragging rights
Ribbons for second and third place

For more information, call 303-420-6100 or 303-902-5477.