Seasonal & Holidays
Chefs Turn Up The Heat At Connecticut's Top Chili Cookoff
The Simsbury Spooktacular Chili Challenge presented by Simsbury Chamber of Commerce Brews Up Brand New Beer Garden
One of the most popular and widely attended events in Simsbury is back and bigger than ever this October! The Simsbury Spooktacular Chili Challenge, presented by the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce, will feature the region’s most well-respected and experienced chefs, as well as a collection of bands guaranteed to rock the day away at the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center on Iron Horse Boulevard.
On Sunday, October 20, 2019, from 12 to 5 p.m., The Simsbury Spooktacular Chili Challenge will attract thousands of guests to the 5th annual edition of this internationally-sanctioned chili cook-off.
To date, 50 vendors, 7 amateur adult and youth cooks, and 18 local restaurants have signed on to participate, including Abigail’s Grille & Wine Bar, Andy’s Italian Kitchen, Benny’s of Simsbury, Freshie’s/Fabiola’s, Grindstone Tavern, Hop Meadow Country Club, Iron Horse Sports Pub, and many others, to compete for the “Best Darn Chili” title and take home the coveted “BDC Bowl”.
“We expect even more cooks, vendors, and performers to join us as we get closer to the event,” said Lisa Gray. “Keep checking our website, simsburychili.com, as updated information will be posted continuously.”
Gray notes that competition categories also exist for amateur cooks who can sign up on the International Chili Society (ICS) website- www.chilicookoff.com.
Live entertainment will be provided by Still Kickin’ With the Big City Horns, Jake Kulak and the LowDown, and Atlas Gray. Still Kickin’ is a nine-piece band paying tribute to the great ‘60’s, ‘70’s and ‘80’s horn bands, and delivers a variety of Classic Rock, R&B, Blues, Soul and Funk, with a touch of Country thrown in to keep you moving on the dance floor. Jake Kulak and the LowDown features three teenage rockstars, including Kulak, who performs 60+ professional gigs a year while attending college. Together, they bring their blend of modern and traditional guitar-driven blues and blues-rock to music lovers everywhere. Atlas Gray was recently featured on Episode 1 of the new CPTV Series “Amplify.”
Other attractions at The Simsbury Spooktacular Chili Challenge include trick-or-treating, a touch-a-truck display, costume contests, clowns, a bounce house, and, new this year, a Beer Garden where patrons can sip their favorite brewed beverages. In addition, there will be a 50/50 raffle along with beer, wine, and hard cider for purchase.
Tickets are $10 in advance for ages 11 and up. Children 10 and under are FREE. Tickets can be purchased on the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce website, www.simsburycoc.org, the event website, simsburychili.com, or by calling (860) 651-7307. Parking is free with a shuttle from area lots or $5 for premium parking on site.
The Simsbury Chamber of Commerce is still actively looking for sponsorships for this unique and family-friendly event, which has grown in size exponentially over each of its four years. Current generous sponsors include Hassett & George P. C., Anthology Senior Living, Liberty Bank, and People’s United Bank. Customized sponsor packages and vendor spaces are still available by calling (860) 651-7307 and are as low as $1650.
The Simsbury Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to serving its membership through the advancement, education and communication of the economic, civic, cultural and social interests of our community. For more information visit www.simsburycoc.org or call (860) 651-7307.