Chili Fest is the epitome of being an Ithacan because who else would enjoy walking around outside in freezing temperatures while sampling different varieties of chili? We embrace the large crowds that are as diverse as the chili offerings, and we enjoy a good mustache competition.
The 15th annual Ithaca Chili Cook-off, also known as Chili Fest, was this past Saturday, February 16th and the Commons bustled with crowds of people eager to sample the many types of chili offered by around 30 different restaurants. People were not bothered by the nippy temperatures of the day and lines even snaked around corners.
While I admit to not being a chili lover, I still really enjoyed being in the Commons during such an exciting event. As I told my friends, I’m a fan of the “fest” but not particularly the “chili” aspect. The festivals that take place in the Commons provide the best people watching. I love seeing college students and townies interacting and mixing amongst each other.
Even though chili isn’t my favorite food, the small samples allowed me to try a few spoonfuls from many different vendors without getting too full or overwhelmed. I especially enjoyed the beef brisket chili from Kilpatrick’s. It was smoky and meaty, and it satisfied my inner carnivore cravings.
While chili was the main focus of this festival, there were also other aspects that kept the crowds happy and entertained. here was a mustache competition taking place in the middle pavilion of the Commons. Men with unique mustaches were encouraged to come up and compete for prizes based on the qualities of their facial hair. There was also a karaoke competition to watch as well.
Events like Chili Fest remind me of the many reasons why I love Ithaca. It’s a fun and slightly quirky way for the community to gather and bond over food.