Pinellas Park, Fla. – Families, foodies and pepper enthusiasts converged at England Brothers Park on Saturday for the 26th edition of the “I Like It Hot!” Festival. Organized by longtime event director Michelle Northup, known locally as “The Saucy Queen,” the celebration highlighted the vibrant chili‑head community that has become a staple of the Tampa Bay area.
Local vendors showcase heat and sweet relief
Visitors were invited to wander the park’s pathways, sampling a spectrum of sauces ranging from mild garden‑pepper blends to the blistering heat of the Dorset Naga, which clocks in at up to 1.6 million Scoville units. John St. Hilaire of Infinite Capsicum Supply explained that the pepper’s intensity is “thousands of times hotter than a jalapeño” and that growers must cultivate it themselves, as it is unavailable in ordinary grocery stores.
For those seeking a cooler palate, the festival offered classic summer comforts such as ice cream and lemonade. Local baker Ashley Leon, co‑owner of The Cinnabus, presented a cinnamon roll drizzled with a custom five‑pepper jelly featuring jalapeño, Carolina Reaper, habanero, Scotch bonnet and ghost peppers. “It’s a regular cinnamon roll, and then he made this five‑pepper jelly,” Leon said, noting the creative blend of sweet and fiery flavors.
Extreme tasting experiences and safety measures
Among the most daring attractions was a hot lollipop that required participants to sign a waiver before sampling the searing confection. The waiver underscored the festival’s commitment to safety while still encouraging adventurous palates to test their limits.
In addition to food, vendors displayed rare pepper plants for sale, giving gardeners the chance to bring home exotic varieties that are otherwise hard to find. The event’s emphasis on both tasting and growing reflects a broader trend of community members embracing horticulture as a hobby and a source of local pride.
Community tradition and family focus
Northup emphasized that the festival is “a tradition” that strengthens the local chili‑head culture. She noted that the event provides a platform for small businesses to connect with residents, fostering economic activity in Pinellas Park and surrounding neighborhoods. Families appreciated the mix of heat and sweet treats, with many children enjoying the milder samples and the cooling desserts.
While organizers have not released an official attendance count, the steady flow of visitors throughout the day suggested a robust turnout, reinforcing the festival’s role as a beloved annual gathering.
Looking ahead
As the 2026 festival wrapped up, vendors and attendees alike expressed optimism for future editions. The combination of daring heat, family‑friendly options and the opportunity to purchase rare pepper plants positions the “I Like It Hot!” Festival as a unique cultural highlight that celebrates local entrepreneurship, culinary creativity and community spirit.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
