Seasonal & Holidays
Vendors, Restaurants & Bands Turn Up Heat at Chili Challenge
Amateur and Professional Chefs Headline The Richman Spooktacular Chili Challenge presented by Simsbury Chamber of Commerce
One of the most popular and widely attended events in Simsbury is back and bigger than ever this October! The Richman 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 Saturday, October 27th, from 12 to 5 p.m, The Richman Spooktacular Chili Challenge will attract thousands of guests to the 4th annual edition of this internationally-sanctioned chili cook-off. David Richman, the owner of Richman Business Brokerage & Insurance, LLC in Simsbury, will serve as the first ever title sponsor for the premier event on the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce’s annual calendar.
“We are so grateful to David for his generous sponsorship,” said Lisa Gray, Executive Director of the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce. “We can’t thank him enough for investing in our vision to make this the area’s top cooking competition.”
In addition, DJ’s from 102.9 The Whale classic rock radio station will be parking their popular prize van on the premises to broadcast live and provide fun, free giveaways.
To date, 45 vendors, 13 amateur adult and youth cooks, and 12 local restaurants have signed on to participate, including Abigail’s Grille & Wine Bar, Ana’s Kitchen, Andy’s Italian Kitchen, Flora Restaurant, Iron Horse Sports Pub, Market Place Kitchen, Plan B, Popover Bistro and Bakery, Table 570 (defending their 2017 “Best Darn Chili” title), The North House, The Simsbury Inn, and The Sweet Beet.
“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 updatedinformation will be posted continuously.”
Gray notes that competition categories also exist for amateur adult cooks and junior chefs ages 17 and under and can sign up on the 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 Richman Spooktacular Chili Challenge include an exhibit of three of the bronze, life-like sculptures from Simsbury’s Public Art Trail created by internationally-renowned artist Seward Johnson, which have been on display at various locations throughout Simsbury since May. Families can also look forward to trick-or-treating, a touch-a-truck display, costume contests, clowns and mimes. 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., Alliances by Alisa Media Relations, People’s United Bank, Phase Zero Design, and Simsbury Bank. Customized sponsor packages and vendor spaces are still available by calling (860) 651-7307 and are as low as $150.
Richman Business Brokerage & Insurance, LLC (RBBI) is a mergers and acquisitions (M&A) firm that assists buyers and sellers through the complex process of buying or selling a business and offers full service life and health benefit management. Visit www.richmanbusiness.com or call 860.408.9177.
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.
###