33rd annual event to be held at Pullman Square

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — The 33rd Annual Original ChiliFest will be Saturday in downtown Huntington on Third Avenue at Pullman Square.

The streets of Huntington will fill with “chili heads” as the winner of this “much heated” event qualifies to represent West Virginia at the ICS (International Chili Society) World’s Chili Championship in October for Salsa, Chili Verde and Traditional Red Chili.

Cooks come from far and wide to downtown Huntington, with their pots, spices, secret ingredients and chili lore for this annual spirited competition.

Live music will be provided by Fallen South, One Foot, and Big Planet Soul. WSAZ meteorologist Brandon Butcher will serve as master of ceremonies.

Contests and events throughout the day include, People’s Choice Award, Best Booth and Showmanship, Hot Pepper Eating Contest, Beer Drinking Contest and the Shoot n’ Holler Contest.

The Kids Corner features games, inflatables, face painting and other family and kids activities.

WSAZ NewsChannel 3 on-air personalities will be at the WSAZ booth to greet people, and WSAZ volunteers will be selling Chili-in-a-Bag for WSAZ Children’s Charities.

ChiliFest is a charity cook-off event, with proceeds benefiting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Tri-State.

“RMH serves families with very sick children; we provide lodging, meals, toiletries and more – all while keeping families together during a medical crisis,” said Jaye Toler, Director of Development.

“When the community supports ChiliFest, they’re supporting these sick children and their families. So I hope that we’ll have another banner year.”

There will also be a $10,000 Cash Raffle. Raffle tickets will be sold at ChiliFest for $25 each, with the winning ticket chosen live at 5 p.m.

Winner does not need to be present to win. And, to add to the excitement, there will also be an opportunity to win tickets to the KISS concert at Big Sandy Superstore Arena that evening.

Chili sample tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. ChiliFest begins at 11 a.m. and concludes at 5 p.m. with the announcement of the winners and the live drawing for the $10,000 cash prize.

Presenting sponsor for ChiliFest is WSAZ NewsChannel 3. Event sponsors are Cabell-Huntington Hoops Children’s Hospital, West Virginia Lottery, Coca-Cola, Marshall Health and First Sentry Bank.

There are still a couple open spots for chili teams, or to volunteer. If your business or club organization would like to put a chili team into the event, or for other questions, email jaye@mchouse.org.