30th Annual Marion Downtown Chili Cook-off and Music Event

Yes, you read that correctly. We're moving the Chili Cook-off to Saturday! MIND BLOWN. In hopes of expanding the very successful event, we're moving the date to extend the event longer hours. Oh, and we'll more music, too! We'll have a stage set up on Main Street, we'll use a separate street for the car show, and we'll have plenty more room for the chili cook-off and kids Zone! On top of that, participating restaurants will have outdoor seating and beer gardens set up! Oh, and speaking of music - it's going to be epic!

Chili teams will compete on Main Street for over $500 in cash and trophies, and most importantly, bragging rights for "The Best Chili in Town." Local judges score the concoctions based upon appearance, aroma, texture, spiciness, and overall taste. Teams are encouraged to showcase their originality too, with a trophy and cash prize for "showmanship" on the line. Chili Team entry is $50, and all teams must obtain a temporary food permit from the Virginia Department of Health. If you're interested in entering a team in the Chili Cook-off,  CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION.

If you're interested in setting up as a food vendor or activity vendor, please contact Olivia McDonald at (276)783-4190 or email omcdonald@marionva.org to get an application.

In addition to the chili cook-off, Saturday night will also feature the annual Shine n' Show Car Show. This year, cars, trucks and motorcycles will take over Broad Street, where the car show will have it's own designated area! Participants vehicles are showcased on Broad Street, and commemorative plaques are rewarded to the first 30 participants. Trophies for "People's Choice" and "Best in Show" will be awarded at the end of the night along with chili cook-off winners. Entry fee is $25, where $5 will be donated to the Iron Warriors Motorcycle Club. And that's not all! Everyone who participates in all five of the Broad Street Cruise In's will receive a FREE entry fee for the Shine n' Show Car Show! For dates on the Broad Street Cruise In, click here.

We'll once again be hosting the annual "Dip Dog Eating Contest," so if you're wanting to compete this year, stay tuned for more details!

And then there's the music line up!

Jigsaw Jane takes the stage to kick off the event at 5pm. A locally known band from right here in Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee, you may have heard them at Marion Downtown's Block Party events in the previous years. Offering a wide array of cover music, they play everything from classic, southern and alternative rock, to old school and new age country. If you listen closely, they may even throw in an occasional original tune. Sometimes, they even throw in a little blues, or a song or two from your favorite hair-bands of the 80s. The band has many years of experience, and no matter the event, they pour their heart and soul in to every performance.

- See more at: http://www.marionva.org/events/20th-annual-marion-downtown-chili-cook-off-and-music-event#sthash.IhXuRhUe.dpuf