The Town of Marion, in partnership with Marion Downtown, announced the participants for the upcoming 37th annual Marion Downtown Chili Championship, set for Saturday, Oct. 14, on Main Street in the heart of historic downtown.
“We are excited to have a record number of chili teams this year,” said event organizer Ken Heath. “Between the chili cookoff, downtown businesses and restaurants, beer gardens, and live music, it’s going to be a perfect day to enjoy the very best of “America’s Coolest Hometown!”
In addition to the chili, Marion offers a full day of live music, beginning with Mark Larkins live at Willbeez Country Store and Sandwich Shop from noon til 3. Morrison & Perkins open the Main Stage at 3, followed by Victor Lawson & Boogie Chillin’ at 5:30.
A special part of this year’s event is a Parrothead Party, featuring “Bluffett” in a tribute to Jimmy Buffett. “We booked the bands last year,” added Heath, “and as a long time parrothead myself, we wanted to bring that concert experience to Marion. Now with Jimmy’s passing, it’s an opportunity for parrotheads from across the region to come celebrate Jimmy Buffett’s music and legacy here on Main Street”. In addition to the concert, the town will be giving away leis, beach balls, and hosting a “Best Dressed Parrothead” contest with a prize basket loaded with local goodies and even two passes to Dollywood. Downtown eateries and food trucks will be featuring themed menus for the event, and regional parrothead groups have reserved tent space for their members and friends to enjoy the show.
Admission to the event is free. Chili tasting bracelets are $5 per person, and are available beginning at 6pm when the chili is ready to be served.
Tasting for the chili championship costs $5.
Teams lined up for the event include My Commissioner of Chili by Brian Walker for Commissioner of Revenue, Pumpkin Pepper Chili from Rachel Gibson/The Ford Studios, Camp FIRE Chili by FUMC Pack 93, Courthouse Chili by Eric Davidson for Clerk of Court, Round-Tu-It Chili by Tracy Sizemore/Family Matters, Da Bomb Chili by Tabitha King/Blue Ridge Job Corps, Graham Cracker Chili by John Graham for Clerk of Court, Southern Comfort Chili by Maria Peake/Highlands Realty, Nuclear Fire Chili by Wayne Louthian/Trinity Ambulance, Amazing Grace Chili by Robin Kalber/Mt. Zion Community Church, Marion Mafia Chili by Don Cornwell/Willbeez Country Store, Stingers Up Chili by Emory & Henry College, Peach Bulleit Chili by HS Williams No. 1, Claw Hammer Chili by HS Williams No. 2 and Sweet Heat Justice Chili by Paul Morrison for Commonwealth’s Attorney.
Along with the chili booths, Mount Rogers Community Service, Smyth Animal Rescue, Brookside Baptist Church, Intercept Health, the Republican Party of Smyth County, Connect Church and Phillip Blevins for Commonwealth’s Attorney will have community booths set up and operating.
If chili isn’t your thing, there will be Food Trucks on Broad, including Just Good Foods, which will have Cheeseburgers in Paradise (with a lei with purchase), Hawaiian chicken and pineapple skewers, homemade fries, luau punch, deep fried Oreos, pineapples, Twinkies and cinnamon rolls; D’s Street Grub with hamburgers, cheeseburgers, tacos, barbecue and Phillys on the menu; Sweet Bee Cupcakes, Polar Ice, Stix N Sips, Allison Concessions, Charley’s Subs of Marion and Ross Kettle Corn.
Other food options include Better Coffee Co., Yummy Yummy Japanese, Moondog Pizza, Wooden Pickle, Macados and Willbeez Country Store.
