Fifth Annual Chili Cook-Off and Market on Main Set for October 14th in Henderson

I wouldn't consider myself a huge fan of Fall. I don't mind it, but I'm more of a Spring guy. With that said, there are a couple of things about Fall I do get excited about (and neither are pumpkin spice #SorryNotSorry). For starters, it means football season is back (YAY!), and secondly, the cooler temperatures are perfect for a big pot of chili. Give me a Sunday with nothing to do but watch football and a big mess of chili stewing in the crockpot, and I'm set. Of course, everyone has their own take on how to make a pot of chili and they all think their version is the best. Several of them will have the chance to prove it this Saturday (October 14th, 2023) during the fifth annual Chili Cook-Off in downtown Henderson.

The Cook-Off will take place on Main Street between Washington and First Streets, right next to Central Park, and will feature 12 teams cooking their brand of chili from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM for the chance to win one of two awards. The competition will be judged by pre-selected judges who will pick the winners through a blind taste test. But, you also have the opportunity to help decide the winner.

You can almost smell this picture, can't you?

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For $12, you can purchase a mug like the one pictured above that you can use to sample each team's chili. Mugs can be pre-ordered online,  purchased at the Chamber office at 114 N Main Street, or at the Chamber tent on the day of the event. As you're sampling, you'll notice a tip jar at each team's station. If you like what they're cooking, toss in a dollar or a ticket that can be purchased at the Henderson Chamber of Commerce tent. The team with the most money and/or tickets at the end of the event will be crowned the People's Champion with all the money donated to the jars going to a non-profit organization of each team's choice.

Market on Main Returns

In addition to the cook-off, Market on Main will also be set up in the same location. The market will feature a wide variety of homemade goods from local vendors including, "candles, wooden flowers, handmade jewelry, books, clothing, and more," according to a press release provided by the Chamber. The market will run a little longer than the cook-off, starting at 10:00 AM and ending at 3:00 PM.

Alcoholic beverages will be available at a beverage garden hosted by Henderson Brewing Co. and Boucherie Winery. However, unlike previous versions of Market on Main, this time the Sunset District will be active meaning you can carry it along Main Street while you shop and taste-test chili.

[Source: Henderson Chamber of Commerce Press Release]