A Hot Day for a Hot Festival

One of the best parts of living in or around West Chester has to be the multitude of street festivals the town holds regularly. This beautiful Fall weekend the West Chester Rotary will host the Ninth Annual Chilli Cookoff. Typically less crowded and crazy than the popular Restaurant Festival, chow dogs can roam the streets from noon to 3:00, eating all the chili their hearts desire for just $10.

Aside from restaurants and pro chefs, the contest is open to Joe Schmoes and Jane Does with a dream and a stockpot. The grand prize for the People's Choice Award for the Team That Made the Best Darn Chili In 2011 is $300, with a $250 prize for first place in each division (Restaurant, Business, Non-Profit, Hometown Cook and Volunteer Organization).

As of now, the website lists 70 competitors across the different divisions. Wristbands, which are needed for entry, can be purchased on the website by clicking here or at booths the day of the event. Gates and Ticket Booths open at 10:30am, with booths on the corners of New and Gay Streets, Darlington and Gay Streets, Church and Gay Streets and High and Gay Streets. Vendors will be set up and all the chili teams will be cooking chili in preparation for the big noon release time. All chili will be released to the public at noon.

A little insider’s tip: the least crowded sales booths are at New Street and Darlington. The most crowded sales booths to buy wristbands are at High and also Church Streets.

The 2010 People’s Choice Winners were Backdraft Chili from Good Will Fire Co #2 in first place, Bayou Smoked Chili from High Street Caffe in second and Beef, Chorizo & Ale Chili
from Iron Hill Brewery.

Leave your pets and alcohol at home, but bring the kids! Children 10 and under are free for paid adults admittance. There will be a Kidz Zone on Church Street just for the little ones.  Event is rain or shine, with the forecast calling for sunny skies and a high of 82 degrees.