Media release from Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation:
The time is near to break out your best chili recipe for a chance to win bragging rights, cash prizes, and the coveted championship belt at the 2026 Chili-Fest Cook-Off, presented by Georgia Power, set for Saturday, October 24, at Ridge Ferry Park.
Registration is now open for chili cook teams ready to put their recipes to the test in front of a panel of judges and the public. The registration fee is $50 per team.
Chili-Fest & Harvest Market will be open to the public on Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Festival-goers will have the opportunity to sample some of the best chili in Rome while enjoying a variety of arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, inflatables, live music, and more.
This year, Truck or Treat will combine with Chili-Fest, bringing even more family-friendly fun to Ridge Ferry Park. Families are encouraged to dress the kids in their favorite costumes and come out for a fun-filled day of trick-or-treating, activities, and Halloween fun during the Chili-Fest & Harvest Market.
Truck or Treat vendors will be set up on the concrete pad in front of the Coca-Cola Stage, where children can visit participating organizations and businesses to collect candy and treats. Truck or Treat will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
We encourage chili cook teams, vendors, businesses, organizations, and other participants to get into the Halloween spirit by bringing candy to hand out during Truck or Treat. Bringing candy is a great way to help make the event more exciting for local families while also promoting your team, business, or organization.
A costume contest will be held at 2 p.m., giving kids the opportunity to show off their Halloween costumes and compete for prizes.
Parking is $5 per car, chili-sampling bracelets are $5 per person, and kids’ inflatable wristbands are $5 per child. Be sure to arrive early, as sampling bracelets are expected to sell quickly, and chili cook teams may run out of samples.
To register a chili cook team, visit rfpra.com/chilifest to download an application or visit the Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation main office at 1 Shorter Avenue.
Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation is also seeking food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, businesses, organizations, and others interested in getting their name and products in front of the public. Vendor opportunities are available through rfpra.com/chilifest.
For questions or additional information about Chili-Fest, contact Tyler Stinson at Tyler.Stinson@floydcountyga.org.
For Truck or Treat information, contact Ty Barnett at Ty.Barnett@floydcountyga.org.
Come hungry, dress up, bring the family, and get ready for a full day of chili, shopping, Halloween fun, Truck or Treat, Touch a Truck, live music, and more at Ridge Ferry Park!
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