Douglasville Chili Cook-Off Expands Into Fall Festival For 30th Annual Event

DOUGLASVILLE, GA — Douglasville residents can mark their calendars for the 30th Annual Chili Cook-Off, set for later this month.

The event is organized by the Cultural Arts Council Douglasville/Douglas County and will be held from 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Douglas County High School and the Cultural Arts Center, 8705 Campbellton St.

Organizers say the event began on the front porch of the Arts Center in 1997 and has grown into a local tradition over three decades.

Proceeds from the chili cook-off will support art classes and programs, including the council's ARTSventures program, which brings curriculum-based performances to local schools.

The event will feature local chili tasting along with awards for Best Tasting Chili, Spiciest Chili, Most Sold and Best Booth Presentation, organizers said.

This year, the council said, the gathering is being expanded into a four-hour cook-off and fall festival as part of both the event's 30th anniversary and the CAC's 40th anniversary.

The expanded format will add art and dessert vendors to the chili competition, and winners will receive cash prizes for the first time, organizers said.

Additional activities are planned, including the annual costume contest that will be held on the CAC's front porch.

All age groups may participate in the contest, and prizes will be given for best group costume and best pet costume, organizers said.

Children who arrive dressed in costumes will receive goody bags, organizers said.

A haunted house will be in the Wynn Building, along with a free-to-tour fine art photography exhibit, a DJ and yard games.

Renewal by Anderson will be the presenting sponsor, according to organizers.

This article was compiled with use of artificial intelligence and was reviewed/edited by Patch.