Beckley’s 23rd annual Chili Night will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 5th along the streets of uptown Beckley.
Chili Night in October, Beckley, WV
The event will feature 40 chili participants, along with 28 other booths, and a variety of entertainment. Chili Night tops off a busy day in Beckley which begins with the Half-Marathon, followed by the Rocket Boys Festival held during the day at the Beckley Exhibition Mine.
Participants in the chili competition include restaurants / caterers, non-restaurant businesses, organizations and individuals. Some of the participants are also preparing spicy and/or specialty chili recipes such as white and veggie chilies.
Panels of celebrity judges will select their favorite chili in the four categories, plus the most unique specialty chili. Homer Hickam and other Rocket Boys will judge the best tasting spicy chili. The public can vote for the Peoples Choice with voting coins distributed with admission. The $5 admission includes five sample tickets and a voting coin. Other vendors will be on hand offering drinks, other food and items.
An awards ceremony will occur around 8:30 p.m.
Four ticket booths will be located along Neville & Main Streets during the event on Saturday from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. Advance ticket sales will be available beginning on October 2nd at the Youth Museum. Even with advance tickets, attendees are encouraged to arrive by 7:00 p.m. on Saturday as chili supplies go fast. Please do not bring coolers or pets to the event.
Chili Night shirts will be sold at the event headquarters at 208 Main Street. Booths will be set up along Neville, Heber, Main & Fayette Streets plus in Shoemaker Square and beside Word Park; the streets will be blocked at 2:30 p.m. for booth set-up. The Gold Rush Flea Market will also have a few booths along the Beckley Intermodal Gateway Plaza.
The Annual Chili Night in October, Beckley, WV
In addition to tasting chili recipes, attendees can enjoy a variety of musical entertainment at several stages. Myers Amusements will offer carnival rides in the parking lot beside Word Park and the State building. John Luckton may offer a midnight Ghost Tour after the event by reservation (call 304-256-TOUR).
“We appreciate the community support for this event. The chili participants put a lot of effort into making their chili and decorating their booths,” says Jill Moorefield. Chili Night is organized by Beckley Renaissance’s Events Committee and it is the organization’s biggest fund-raiser of the year. The money raised helps the group offer events throughout the year.
For more information, visit www.beckley.org. Event Sponsors include City National Bank, Muncheez Bar & Grill, The Register- Herald, 103CIR, Groovy 94.1, 105.9 WTNJ, The Early Show with Rick & Lola, WVNS, WVVA, WOAY, WJLS & United Bank.