Okmulgee Main Street’s Harvest Spoon Chili Festival returns to downtown Okmulgee next weekend and it is looking like the weather will be perfect for the annual event.
Okmulgee Main Street’s Harvest Spoon Chili Festival returns to downtown Okmulgee next weekend and it is looking like the weather will be perfect for the annual event.
The festival will kick off Saturday, Oct. 22, from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. on the square.
Contestants will be participating in one of three categories: Individual, Business or Non-Profit/Organization, with first place in each category receiving $250.
“See who will be the newest owner of Sterling Bass (the Big, Amazing, Sterling Spoon) Award and a $500 cash prize for People’s Choice,” Okmulgee Main Director Heather Sumner said.
According to Sumner, there are 22 entries for the competition.
Entrants are asked to submit one roasting pan or two crock pots of chili, which will allow enough for judging as well as the tasting kits spectators can purchase. Tasting kits go on sale at 11 a.m. so attendees can sample the various entries.
Competitors are also eligible to be considered for the “Best Decorated Table” award.
Winners will be announced at 3:30 p.m.
In addition to the chili competition, the Kid Zone, with lots of inflatables, will return and will be completely free, thanks to the generosity of CP Kelco.
Music will be provided by a local band, Scott Fetgatter & the “Fat Cats.” Avery Brown from Morris will also be singing for about 30 minutes.
Lots of other fun activities are planned including:
• Marketplace Vendors
• Cornhole Tournament on the Council House lawn (sponsored by Impact Wellness & Rehab)
• Pumpkin Chunkin sponsored by Neal’s Furniture
• Hot Pepper Eating Contest sponsored by Miss Mary’s Market - for any of those “brave souls”
• Pet Parade/Costume contest sponsored by Funky Blessings and the Okmulgee Rotary Club
• Fashion Show, sponsored by the OCHS Thrift Store
• Live Dessert Auction sponsored by the OSUIT Future Chefs of America The Okmulgee YMCA is sponsoring a 5K race during the chili fest. There is a registration of $35 which includes the race, a long-sleeve Tshirt and a chili tasting kit, according to Okmulgee YMCA Executive Director Katie McElhaney. Participants can choose 5K or onemile fun run options. Both races start at the YMCA and finish up downtown.
“The 5K is live to register on our website at www.ymcatulsa.org/okmulgee or people can come into the YMCA to register,” McElhaney said.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Saturday, Oct. 22 9 a.m. - Marketplace Vendor Setup; Chili Participant Setup; Economic Vitality Committee-Building Tour 10 a.m. Chili Judging; 5K and Fun Run sponsored by the YMCA 11 a.m. Chili Cafe & Marketplace Opens, Kid Zone (sponsored by CP Kelco); Music by Scott Fetgatter & The Fat Cats; Pumpkin Chunkin (sponsored by Neal’s Furniture ) 11:30 a.m. Tasting Kits Go On Sale 11:45 a.m. Hot Pepper Eating Contest (sponsored by Miss Mary’s Market) 12:30 p.m. Fashion Show by OCHS Thrift Store 1 p.m. Music by Scott Fetgatter & The Fat Cats; Cornhole Tournament (sponsored by Impact Rehab & Wellness) 2 p.m. Dog Costume Contest (sponsored by Funky Blessings/Rotary Club) 2:30 p.m. Music by Avery Brown 3 p.m. Live Dessert Auction (sponsored by OSUIT Future Chefs of America) 3:30 p.m. Chili Fest Winners Announced Other sponsors include The Barksdale Law Firm, Covington Aircraft, Jandebeur’s Motor Sports Park, 6th Street Hub, East Central Electric Cooperative, Ford Lofts and the City of Okmulgee.
