Chili's Chil-"E" Festival heats up

For more than 15 years, folks have been coming to the Town of Chili to partake of the town's Chil-"E" festival. "The festival is good summer entertainment for the whole family," Town Supervisor Tracy Logel said. "Other than picking up items from the vendors, the whole event is free - from the parking to the entertainment."

While Logel has been involved in the festival for many years, this is her first year as supervisor. "This is just an exciting time for the town," she said. "We've got the road construction project wrapping up and many of the changes happening here in the town are very positive ones."

The three-day event kicks off Friday, July 23 at 6 p.m. with the opening of the food booths, carnival rides and exhibits followed by entertainment provided by "Hootin Annie" and "Ruby Shooz."

Saturday's activities get off to a running start with the James B. Francis Jr. Memorial 5K race at 9:30 a.m. One of the highlights of the annual event is the parade which gets underway at 7 p.m. Saturday's entertainment will be provided by "7th Heaven."

On Sunday, one of the highlights, and one of the main reasons for the festival's name, will be the chili cook-off contest. Logel said she has thought of entering her chili in the contest for many years. "I make a mean chili, I really should enter it." The chili contest kicks off at 4:30 p.m. Carnival rides, food booths, exhibits, a karate demonstration and a chicken barbecue are all part of the day's events.

A "spectacular fire works display," beginning at 9:30 p.m. will round out the three day's worth of activities and will follow a performance by "Nik & The Nice Guys." Logel said it will be good to have the band back because they haven't been there for eight years. "They are a popular group as are the other performers," she said. "The Chil-"E" Fest continues to grow each year ... it just gets bigger and better. We have to take advantage of the summer months while we have them and this event is a fun, family oriented celebration of summer."

Check the Town of Chili website at www.townofchili.org for information.