Lenexa Chili Challenge
26th Annual Lenexa Chili Challenge
www.lenexa.com/parks/festivals/_chili.html Old Town Lenexa @ Santa Fe Trail Drive and Pflumm Friday October 19th: 6pm-10pm Saturday October 20th: 9am-4:30pm
There’s something magical about fall. The sights. The smells. And the foods- oh, the foods! I don’t know about you, but it’s pretty much a given that the first day that “chill” is in the air, soup will be on the table in my house (and let’s be honest… that chill might come in the form of 80 degree weather considering the sweltering temps we dealt with this summer!). Soups, stews, and chili are cold-weather staples around here and I can’t imagine a better way to usher in the new season than with warm, hearty fare.
Enter the Lenexa Chili Challenge in Old Town Lenexa. For over 26 years, people have come in droves to compete (and eat!) for a great cause and the much coveted title of Lenexa’s great chili champion. If you have a knock-your-socks-off chili recipe, consider joining the ranks of over 175 teams to compete. Or, if you’re like my family, make it an annual tradition to simply attend, taste-test, and judge for yourself what your favorite entry is! Admission to this event is free, but it is suggested to donate a dollar to each of your favorite entries (all contestants have a donation bucket in which proceeds go toward the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). While this competition began with chili in mind, it has grown to encompass many other foods including salsa, pica de gallo, hot wings, and more. Come with an open mind and an empty belly as you will discover tantalizingly sweet, spicy, and savory dishes… and everything in between! Some of our family favorites last year included white bean chicken chili and lamb gyros with yogurt dip.
This event is well-attended and with good reason. Not only can you try samples from various contestants, but specialty food vendors and standard concessions are also provided and entertainment includes live music, stage performances, a jalapeno pepper eating contest, and a fireworks display! It is recommended to park in the general Old Town Area or at Lenexa Community Center’s parking lot (handicapped parking is available but limited). Service dogs are allowed, but please note that pets are not. The level streets of Old Lenexa make this event stroller friendly and I would highly recommend utilizing one for the Littles in your posse (walking through the sea of booths with samples in hand can get messy and arduous for the toddler crowd but eating in the comfort of a stroller is much more enjoyable for Child and, in turn, Parent!).
Upon entering, check out the Information Booth where you’ll find contest maps, resale items, and complimentary spoons (one per patron). Most contestants specify if their chili has a kick to it but I’ve always made habit of asking each one before offering a sample to our kids or trying it myself (we’re pansies when it comes to heat, whereas my husband welcomes it with open arms… or rather, tummy!). Save the cute new matching fall outfits for another excursion. It’s advised to dress comfortably and casually, as you’ll do a fair amount of walking and chili tends to be a magnet for staining your duds (or maybe this only applies to my family?). As “experienced” chili challenge patrons, we’ve found it beneficial to bring bibs (for the kids, though wouldn’t’ that be helpful for adults, too?!), wet wipes, Germ-X, and water bottles (a must!).
We have walked away every year with fun family memories, full bellies, and on more than one occasion some exciting new recipes to try at home. That’s right… some very considerate contestants have been so gracious as to e-mail me their recipes!!! If you’re looking for a way to enjoy some time outdoors in one of the quaintest areas of the City all while expanding your palates for a good cause, consider checking out this year’s Lenexa Chili Challenge. We’ll look forward to seeing you there!
Lauren Greenlee loves fall in KC and the weekend of the Lenexa Chili Challenge, to be specific. Her family can be found attending the Challenge right after she finishes running 13.1 miles at the KC Marathon. Immediately afterward, you’ll find her at another KC fall favorite event- the Junior Leagues’ Holiday Mart!).