(Media release from Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation):
Bragging rights, fame, a giant championship belt and a very, very small fortune await the winners of the 2022 Chili-Fest Cook Off and Festival presented by Courtesy Ford of Rome.
The event is set for Saturday, November 5 and Sunday, November 6 at Ridge Ferry Park.
Registration is now open for teams of four to put their chili recipes to the test to see who has the best chili in Rome. Cost of registration is $75 for the first entry and $50 for an additional recipe.
Chili-Fest is open to the general public on Saturday, November 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, November 6 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees get to enjoy a large variety of arts and crafts vendors and food trucks on both days.
Entry to the event is $5 each day. On Saturday, the first 500 in the gates will get a sampling bracelet to taste and vote on the chili. Make sure to come early on Saturday, because tasting bracelets for the BBQ Cook Off in the spring were sold out in less than two hours.
The chili competition and chili tasting are only on Saturday. The competition features some cool cash and trophies for the competitors to win. First place in the judges’ choice category receives a cash prize, a cool champions belt and bragging rights for the best chili in Rome. Second and third place take home a trophy and prize money. Winners from the People’s Choice category will receive trophies for first through third places.
To register a team, go to rfpra.com/chilifest and download the application or visit our main office at 1 Shorter Ave. For all questions or information regarding Chili-Fest, contact Lindsey Jones at [email protected].
We are also seeking more arts and crafts vendors, businesses or others who are looking to get their brand out to the public. Last year more than 1,500 people attended the event, and we’re preparing for even more this year. If you are interested in being a vendor for this two-day festival, visit rfpra.com/chilifest for more information.