New attractions at this year’s Parktober Fest
COSHOCTON – Autumn is the perfect time of year to enjoy a warm bowl of chili. The fifth annual Parktober Fest offers samples of the best chili around that’s made by local community members. This year’s event will be Saturday, Oct. 11 from 4 – 7 p.m. at the River View Community Park.
“This is our fifth year now,” said Jesse Fischer, president of the River View Park Board. “When you start a new event, it’s all about trying to do something unique and different. We’ve always wanted to try something different this time of the year for fall, and it’s growing. Every year that we’ve had this event, there have been more and more people attending.”
For $5, you can sample each type of chili entered and then return to your favorite contestant for a hot, steaming bowl of your favorite chili. Don’t forget to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award. At a separate table, canisters will be set up with numbers that correspond with each contestant number. Each person will receive a voting token that can be placed in the canister with the number of your favorite contestant.
Another award given out will be the Judges’ Award. Judges will be chosen the day of the competition and will taste each chili in a blind taste contest. Judges will be assigned a point system and whoever has the most points will receive the Judges’ Award. Cash prizes will be awarded to winners of both awards.
Adam Fischer took both the People’s Choice Award and the Judges’ Award in last year’s competition. He chose to donate the money back to the River View Park Board. Last year’s event grossed $1,568.
Some other highlights of the event include a beer garden for those 21 and over, live entertainment by Brad Fuller, an open camp fire, and other food served by the River View Park Board including bratwurst, hot dogs, s’mores, craft beer, and water and soft drinks. New this year will be face painting and a pumpkin decorating contest for the kids.
“It’s a chance for people to come out and enjoy the park in the fall and support the River View Park,” said Fischer.
All proceeds benefit the River View Community Park and Pool.
beth@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
Category: People & Places
