Sacramento is a great spot for visitors to experience Northern California. The state’s capital is also one of the oldest incorporated cities, and offers travelers a blend new attractions and living history from world famous restaurants like The Kitchen to the unique architecture and shops of Old Sacramento.
The Sacramento Beer & Chili Festival is a chili cooking competition featuring a variety of unique recipes and some of the top craft beer vendors from the area. The event will take place April 8, at Roosevelt Park in downtown, and event planners expect more than 1,000 attendees. Roughly 25 contestants will compete in three separate categories (industry, individual, and vegetarian) with a panel of judges deciding the winners. A People's Choice competition will also take place with winner’s voted on by attendees. The Festival serves as a fundraiser for The Sacramento Artists Council, and donates proceeds to at-risk children and homeless families. We got the opportunity to interview Chelsea Norville, a representative for the event, to learn more about this beer and chili blowout.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
CN: This is the 6th year of the event.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
CN: We usually have 20-25 chili vendors and 30+ beer vendors. We usually have around 1,000-1,500 guests attend the event.
RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?
CN: The event is geared towards adults. Children are allowed at the event but must be accompanied but an adult at all times.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
CN: The Sacramento Beer & Chili Festival features unlimited chili tasting and a wide variety of beers to sample. It also helps keep art in schools!
RAL: Take me through the activities of a day at the event.
CN: Sacramento Beer & Chili Festival features a chili cook off competition (industry, individual, vegetarian, People's Choice) and beer tastings provided by local breweries.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
CN: There are several hotels in the Downtown/Midtown Sacramento Area.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
CN: Many of our contestants represent local restaurants and catering companies. Most of the beer vendors are also from the greater Sacramento region.
RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community?
CN: The Sacramento Beer & Chili Festival is a fundraiser for The Sacramento Artists Council and raises money for art programs that assist at-risk children and children of homeless families, all while funding Adopt-a-School art programs for Sacramento regional schools.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
CN: This event is a great way to sample the food and culture of Sacramento! It’s a perfect outing for friends, work groups, or couples!
For more information about the Sacramento Beer & Chili Festival, please visit the event website.