Simsbury Spooktacular Chili Challenge

The 3rd annual Simsbury Spooktacular Chili Challenge, on Saturday, October 28th is quickly becoming bigger and hotter every day! More than 15 registered amateur chefs will try to please the picky palates of the newly announced panel of 16 judges.

“We have some very notable judges signed up, including Ray Dunaway of WTIC AM, State Representative John Hampton, chef Chris Prosperi, Connoisseur Media’s Rob Ray, TV Chef and Personality Prudence Sloan, and JW Stewart from NBC CT,” declared Lisa Gray, Executive Director of the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce.

Gray notes registration for cooks is still open and encourages aspiring chefs ages 17 and under to sign up to compete in the NEW Youth chili cooking competition with their very own recipes. Categories are traditional Red Chili and People’s Choice. Email info@simsburycoc.org to register.

And don’t miss your chance for a spot in the NEW Touch-a-Truck area for kids and the Classic Car exhibit! Anyone interested in participating in the exhibit should contact Dan Correia at (860) 408-1322.

The roster of top local restaurants throwing their ladles into the highly competitive Restaurant Chili Challenge continues to grow! They are vying for the coveted BDC, “Best Darn Chili”, title and a Chili Bowl trophy. The Simsbury Inn is returning to defend their title, along with Abigail’s Grille & Wine Bar, Attilio’s, Avon Old Farms Inn, Avon Prime Meats, Iron Horse Sports Pub, Kane’s Market, Market Place Kitchen, Plan B, Hop Meadow Country Club, The North House, The Old Well Tavern, Popover Bakery, Table 570, The Tavern at Keney Park, and Tower Ridge Country Club.

There’s also still time for businesses and organizations to support this popular regional family event as sponsors. Join sponsors Fitzgerald Foods, Hassett & George, P.C., People’s United Bank, Phase Zero Design, Simsbury Bank, Mitchell Auto Group and Robert Hensley & Associates.

Over 40 vendors such as Cabela’s, Healthtrax, and The Hartford Courant will be onsite and vendor opportunities are available for just $150.

The Chili Challenge will take place at Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center, 22 Iron Horse Blvd., Simsbury, from noon – 5:00pm. The restaurant challenge runs from 2:00-5:00. The amateur competition is a fully-sanctioned International Chili Society (ICS) cook-off and is designed to appeal to the whole family.  Along with the cooks, there will be local vendors, live entertainment, beer, wine, and hard cider.  Kids can look forward to trick-or-treating, costume contests, clowns, the touch-a-truck exhibit, and more.  Non-chili food items will be available for sale.

Interested cooks can sign up to compete on the ICS website www.chilicookoff.com or by calling Simsbury Chamber of Commerce, (860) 651-7307

Tickets are $10 in advance for age 11 and up. Children 10 and under are FREE. Tickets can be purchased on the event website, simsburychili.com, or by calling (860) 651-7307.