The Chili Cookoff and Fall Festival in Madison was a success on Saturday.
There were chili cooks, arts and crafts with handcrafted wares by regional artists, locally grown food markets, plants, and, for those hungry while waiting to taste the chili, lots of food vendors to ensure there was something for everyone.
The Madison Town Square was packed with people and vendors, making this year’s festival a huge success. Live music began at 10 a.m. from the Toe-tappin’ music stage on Second Street, and on the Great Lawn, the marketplace was full of great shopping fun. Free activities included face painting, crafting, dance, and variety shows.
Chili sampling began at 12:30 p.m. and ended when the chili ran out. After that, participants could vote for the coveted People’s Choice Chili Awards.
The music lineup included The Stumpknockers, The Rocky Creek Band, Hawk Proof Rooster, Leeroy Voodoo, Chris, Jon, Scott, and the Silver Strings Bluegrass Band.
Over at the Variety Stage on Jefferson Street was the Pointe of Grace Dancers, Little Characters Theater Troupe, A Tribute to Elvis with Ed Boyer, Rebecca Sunshine, and Taleshakers with David Burke.
Madison Artists Guild had a pumpkin-decorating contest, and prizes were awarded to the winners.
Open Chili Prizes, CASI Chili Prizes, the Showmanship Award, and the People’s Choice Award, were announced at 3:30 p.m., and prizes in the Open Chili Contest were cash, trophies, and gifts. The CASI Chili prizes were a Downtown Chili Cook-off trophy, a gift, and CASI points.