071324- Darcy Traxel and Nathan Blomander get a bowl of chili from Autumn Schile in this 2018 News file photo
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
The Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Collective are hoping that the heat wave doesn’t dissuade residents from making their way downtown today, to enjoy the annual chili cook-off.
This year looks a little different than usual, said Sarah McNeil, one of the organizers with Downtown Collective that makes the even possible.
“This year, there’s also going to be bouncy castles and face painting,” said McNeil. “There’s a free movie at the monarch at three o’clock, and there is also a trolley from Athletic Park to City Hall to help with parking a little bit, because we know it’s not always convenient to park downtown.”
Live music will be playing throughout the event, which will run from 11am-1pm, or until there’s no more chili to be had, which McNeil said may happen quicker than expected.
“Historically, it’s better to be here early because people do run out of chili. We have asked the participants to make a heck of a lot of chili, but we tend to get a lot of people for this event. So the sooner you can get here, the better chance you will have of getting to try every chili and salsa,” said McNeil.
She added that while the weather is expected to cool off slightly, it may also still be preferable to arrive when it’s a bit cooler in the morning.
It is the hopes of the Downtown Collective that those who come down for a taste of chili decide to “make a day of it,” said McNeil, and take the time to explore the shops and other offerings that make downtown Medicine Hat so special.
Bowls will be $5 on site, or $10 for a pottery bowl from the Potter’s Association.
For further detail on the event, residents are encouraged to visit the Chamber of Commerce website.
