The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
Take a crisp fall day, complete with brilliant leaves and a bright blue sky. Add steaming bowls of hearty chili. Cool with some of the best craft beers in the West and you’ve got the makings for a perfect Saturday in the high country. The 13th Annual Mt. Crested Butte Chili and Beer Festival happens this Saturday, September 8, on the mountain, at the base of the Silver Queen Lift, from noon to 4 p.m. Breweries from all over will be pouring plenty of cold suds to compliment a variety of chili recipes.
“We believe in the taste of the people,” says organizer Shaun Matusewicz. “Everyone is given a voting sheet and allowed to vote for their favorite chilies and beers in a number of different categories. We also have a People’s Choice award for the chili and the beer that receives the most votes overall.”
Prizes will be awarded in six categories:
– Best International Chili Society Red Chili (that’s no beans or fillers)
– Anything Goes (just like the name says, anything goes)
– Green Chili
– Vegetarian Chili (with no meat or meat stock)
– Best Professional Entry
– Best Table Decoration
“We are also psyched to have two great bands with strong Crested Butte roots this year,” adds Matusewicz. “CB’s own Mine Control will open with their deep groove funk, and Mama’s Cookin’ will headline with their amazing, tasty jams.”
Contest entry is free, and cook-off participants receive free admission to the Fall Festival of Beers. Cook up three gallons of your best stuff in advance. Tables, tents and serving cups will be provided. All entries must be received by Thursday, September 6 to be included on the ballots and be eligible for prizes. Please note that contestants won’t have access to electricity, so gas-burning stoves will be necessary. Registration forms are available at the CB/Mt. CB Chamber of Commerce, or online at www.cbchamber.com/fall-festival-of-beers.
Tickets are $25 Early Bird or $30 at the door. “Everyone who buys a ticket early is entered in a raffle to win beer for a year from Oskar Blues,” says Matusewicz.
For more information, contact the CB/Mt. CB Chamber of commerce at 349-6438, or follow festival updates at www.facebook.com/ChiliAndBeer.
