Written by Aaron-Michael Fox.
Summer of 2022 has ended abruptly, and cooler temperatures have come to Huntington, West Virginia. For many people that means the return of pumpkin spice season, but for many others, it means chili season.
2019 ChiliFest. Photo by Aaron-Michael Fox.
Whether you like your chili with beans or without, or whether you like it mild, spicy, or hotter than the Devil’s pepper patch, you’ll be able to get your fill on October 15, 2022 as ChiliFest returns to Pullman Square for its 38th year.
Individual chefs and chili-cooking teams from all over West Virginia will vie for the bragging rights of making the best chili in the state in 2022. Sanctioned and judged by the International Chili Society (ICS), there will be four categories: Traditional Red Chili, Chili Verdi, Homestyle Chili, and Salsa. The winners will represent WV at the ICS World Championship Chili Cook-Off.
The fun will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Pullman Square and the 900 block of 3rdAvenue in downtown Huntington. There will be live music and contests throughout the day on the Pullman Square stage, a “Kids Corner” with inflatables and games, and non-chili food and drink vendors.
2019 ChiliFest. Photo by Aaron-Michael Fox.
All chili sample tickets are $1 each or six for $5. Attendees can also buy tickets for a chance to win a 2022 Toyota RAV4 courtesy of Advantage Toyota. The RAV4 winner will be announced at the close of the festival at 6 p.m.
All proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Huntington. To date, ChiliFest has raised more than $600,000 for that charity. The contest is only open to ICS members. Applicants can register and/or get more information at ChiliFestWV.com.
