Add this popular fall event to the growing list of COVID-19 cancellations in Wichita
One of Wichita’s most popular annual fall events has joined the growing list of coronavirus cancellations.
The Wichita Wagonmasters Downtown Chili Cookoff, which always draws big crowds downtown to sample chili made by local restaurants and competitive cooks, won’t happen this year, organizers said on Tuesday.
The cookoff happens ever September, and this year, it was scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26.
Organizers announced in a Facebook post and in an email to participants that the COVID-19 pandemic had forced them to cancel the event.
“We have worked diligently towards a solution that would allow for a fun and safe event this year,” the post read. “However, with all of the uncertainty, logistical challenges, and health & safety considerations surrounding COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision to not hold the Wichita Wagonmasters Downtown Chili Cookoff in 2020.”
The event always draws thousands of people, who would buy $5 tasting kits and sample chili made by around 80 different teams. Winners were crowned in various categories, and the big winner went on to the World Championship Chili Cookoff.
Dining with Denise has had a booth the past three years at the festival, and it’s always a good time.
The festival joins a long list of annual fall events in the area that aren’t happening this year, including Autumn & Art, which is going virtual, and the Kansas State Fair.
This story was originally published August 4, 2020 at 1:26 PM.
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