The International Chili Society Sanctioned Whiskey Trail Regional and Tennessee State Championship Chili Cook Offs are schedule for Friday and Saturday on the historic Shelbyville square.
More than 40 contestants from more than 15 states are expected to bring their secret ingredients to the competition.
There will be numerous categories with more than 170 total entries with $6,000 in prize money including homestyle chili, chili verde, vegetarian chili and red chili.
Visitors can join in the fun. Not only are there colorful tents and displays, but there will be two chili tastings scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday and noon to 3 p.m. Saturday. The price is $10.
Saturday will also feature the “Car Show of the South” with show vehicles of all types expected to enter with 28 trophies up for grabs.
It is all part of the 17th annual “The First Square Fair” in “Historic Uptown Shelbyville” highlighting the historic Shelbyville square.
On Friday beginning at 6 p.m. will be the “Dogs Days of Summer” Dogs and Mutts on a Leash Contest.
Saturday will be a busy day with vendors setting up at 9 a.m., food trucks and live music. A scavenger hunt will be heled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The “Uptown is Art” contest deadline is 11 a.m. Also the “Pretty Potted Pepper Plant Contest also has an entry deadline of 11 a.m.
A chili dog eating contest is set for noon Saturday followed by an ice cream eating contest at 1:30.
Chili awards will be presented at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.
