green|spaces is hosting the 10th annual MAINx24 Heavyweight Chili Championship at MAINx24 on Dec. 1, from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at OCI. Teams will compete for the coveted World Heavyweight Chili Championship Belt as Chattanooga celebrates the most delicious event of the year!
MAINx24 is a 24-hour long festival celebrating Main Street and the surrounding Southside, held every December since 2007.
Its goal is to make Chattanooga a 24-hour city. MAINx24 events range from favorites like this chili cook-off and an adult big wheel race to music and poetry readings.
This year the MAINx24 Heavyweight Chili Championship will be expanding to include a cornbread category and a vendor market.
“The only thing better than hot chili on a cold day is hot chili and cornbread on a cold day,” said Dawn Hjelseth, green|spaces director of development. “We are so excited about these two new additions to the chili championship, it will be comfort food at its finest. This year will be our best yet!”
Chili teams must make at least seven gallons of chili to serve while cornbread teams must make a minimum of 300 bite-sized samples of cornbread. Each team may consist of up to five members and is responsible for signage, tables, serving utensils, trash cans, cooking elements, and tent. A 10x10 space with bowls, spoons, napkins and cups will be provided for teams. Vendors are also encouraged to reserve a spot early as they are only $100.
“Many people come to MainX24 for their holiday shopping. With more than 1,000 people coming to the cook-off, they will get a lot of foot traffic during the event,” said Hjelseth.
Tickets will be available for purchase that day. Along with the chili, cornbread and vendor market, there will be $3 beer from local breweries, $5 Bloody Mary Bar with Tito’s Vodka, live music, and activities for kids.
Sponsors include EPB of Chattanooga along with Office Coordinators, Inc., V. Love Events & Staffing, Tito's Vodka and Lodge Cast Iron.
For additional information about the MAINx24 Heavyweight Chili Championship, contact Dawn Hjelseth at dawn@greenspaceschattanooga.org.