Triangle Chili Challenge Returns Bigger Than Ever
Cary, NC – With the Autumn temperatures starting to come in, now is the perfect weather to enjoy hot and spicy chili. This Sunday, everyone will have a chance to get some of the best chili in the region as the Triangle Chili Challenge returns to Downtown Cary.
More Chefs Than Ever Before
This Sunday, November 12, 2017 starting at noon, the Third Annual Triangle Chili Challenge will kick off at Ashworth Village in Downtown Cary. Jessica McCarthy, the event’s organizer, said this year’s will be larger than ever, with between 15 and 20 chefs registered so far to make the best chili they can in hopes of taking home a trophy.
Also this year, the way the competition approaches charity is different, with all guests asked to donate $1 when entering and all that money will be collected together.
“We’re asking each chef to select a charity and if they win, that money will go to a charity of their choice,” McCarthy said. “It’s been interesting to see the different charities roll in. We have a nice range.”
Visitors will also be able to take part in various raffles and the entire event is supported by sponsors in Downtown Cary, including Crosstown Pub and Grill, Fresh Local Ice Cream, Pharmacy Bottle + Beverage, Creative Images, Cary Pottery and the Humble Pig, which McCarthy also runs.
The competing chilis are made by chefs from all around Cary and some from other parts of the Triangle, as well as other groups such as the Cary Police Department and Cary Fire Department.
“Get in as soon as you can because we’re expecting more people than ever and sample cups may run out,” McCarthy said.
Local Chili and Local Artists
The Triangle Chili Challenge was created as a way to bring people to Downtown Cary in November and it is very consciously tied into the Downtown Food and Flea.
“The biggest thing we want to do is get out there that this is a local event,” McCarthy said. “We have highly selected artists there as well as local food. That brings a unique aspect. You don’t see chili challenges with 60-70 artists there.”
Local artists are involved with the event all the way to the trophy, which is created by both Creative Images, now in a new location on E Chatham Street, and Cary Pottery.
With all of these partnerships and involvements, McCarthy said she thinks it ultimately makes both the Chili Challenge and Food and Flea better.
“It brings out folks who may not have come to Food and Flea otherwise,” she said.
Event Details
Third Annual Triangle Chili Challenge
Ashworth Village, 200 S Academy St.
Noon to 4 PM
Story by Michael Papich. Photos courtesy of the Triangle Chili Challenge.
