Marketplace vendors also sought

The 27th annual Harvest Spoon Chili Festival is set for Saturday, Oct. 28, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on the Square in downtown Okmulgee, and the deadline is nearing for those wishing to compete.

Okmulgee Main Street is now seeking chili cook-off contestants, who have a chance to win up to $750 for the best recipe.

“Bring your friends and family to beautiful, historic downtown Okmulgee for this family focused annual event,” Main Street Director Heather Sumner said. This year’s event promises to be even bigger as Main Street has partnered with the Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce for the annual Pecan Festival, which will take place Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 26-28.

Attendees will have the opportunity to taste delicious chili, visit the marketplace, or join the cornhole tournament, sponsored by Been Brothers Workshop.

Be sure to enter and see who will become the newest owner of the Sterling Bass (the Big, Amazing, Sterling Spoon) and a $500 cash prize for People’s Choice Award.

Contestants will compete in the following categories:

• Individuals

• Family or Business

• Non-Profit or Organization First place in each category will win $250, with the overall People’s Choice Award winner taking home $500.

The entry fee for each category is $50. One 8-foot table and electricity will be provided.

Also, if you would like to be considered for the “Best Decorated Table,” please indicate your desire to do so on the application form.

Please contact Rusty Milroy for questions or concerns 918-756-7964.

During the event, there will be live music provided by locals Brent Giddens, Avery Brown and Lance Gouge.

Other events include:

• Pumpkin Chunkin sponsored by Neal’s Furniture

• Hot Pepper contest sponsored by Miss Mary’s Market

• Pet Costume contest sponsored by Funky Blessings

• Marketplace featuring a variety of vendors To enter the Chili Cook-Off or Marketplace, please download the forms on the Okmulgee Main Street website, and return to their office on or before Oct. 20.

Vendors can also choose whether they want to be set up during the entire Pecan Festival or just the Chili Fest.

The Chili Festival is Saturday only, even though the Pecan Festival will begin on Thursday.

Email okmulgeemainstreetinc@ yahoo.com or call their office 918-7581015.

“We hope to have many entries this year, so get your form in early as it is a first come, first chosen selection process,” Sumner said. “And as you know, the town square is only so big.

Thanks for being a part of a fun event in the heart of our hometown.”