MONETA, Va. – Bring your spoons and your appetite to Bridgewater Marina on Saturday, Nov. 5 for the 19th Annual Smith Mountain Lake Chili Festival.
You can spend a fun day sampling tasty chili from more than 15 different chili teams. There is also going to be 30 different food and craft vendors to help you support local and start your holiday shopping.
Erin Stanley, Member Relations and Events Director for the SML Regional Chamber of Commerce says, “This is one our favorite events that we do. It really brings out the whole family, from young kids to grandparents, everyone comes out. They have a good time tasting different chilis.”
The festival will feature live music at the Mango’s stage from noon to 3 p.m. Spank, an 80s party band is performing.
Chili tasting will take place from noon to 2 p.m. A committee will judge on the stage at Mango’s Bar & Grill for the “Best Chili.” Prizes are based on taste, consistency, aroma, color and bite.
The public will vote via ballot box for the “Peoples’ Choice” and the “Best Showmanship” awards.
Awards will be presented at 3:30 p.m.
Tickets are $7 per person (cash only) with kids 5 and younger admitted free.