BECKLEY, W.Va. — A downtown tradition going back nearly three decades resumes this weekend when the City of Beckley’s 29th Annual Chili Night festival and cooking competition officially begins at 5 p.m. Saturday.
According to Director of Beckley Events Jill Moorefield, more than 40 booths will participate in this year’s chili tasting contest and awards ceremony, which includes prizes for best tasting chili determined by a panel of judges in four categories. The public will be able to vote in a Peoples’ Choice category with voting coins distributed with admission.
In addition to the chili competition, areas bands will provide musical entertainment throughout the evening, and carnival rides will be set up in the lot beside Word Park. Active Southern WV will offer an children’s obstacle course at Shoemaker Square. Several booths plan to offer line dancing and games for children and adults.
Most of the chili vendors will be set up along Neville and Main Streets, while other vendors will be located in Shoemaker Square, the Word Park lot, and Heber Street. Free visitor parking will be available at the Beckley Intermodal Gateway. Metered parking in the city is free on weekends.
Tickets booths will be open from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Neville Street near Word Park and at United Bank on Main Street.
The organizing committee has requested that attendees do not bring pets, skateboards or coolers to the event.
The City of Beckley Police Department encourages parents to accompany children under the age 15, during the event.
More information, including a complete schedule of the musical lineup, is available at www.beckley.org