Chili Festival

Hatch, New Mexico, began as an adobe post office and a railroad flag station. Named after General Edward Hatch, Commander of the Southwest military, the town grew until a flood in 1921 destroyed many of the adobe buildings constructed of earth and wood.

The village rebuilt, and continues to prosper as an agricultural community to this day. The advent of the nearby Spaceport America, the nation’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport, promises a new chapter in the history of Hatch.

As summer cools down, the Village of Hatch heats up. Labor Day weekend heralds the annual Hatch Chile Festival, a two-day celebration of their world-famous crop. The festival attracts over 30,000 visitors from all over the United States.  Festival goers can sample famed chili recipes, watch the crowning of the chili festival queen, or toss a horseshoe in celebration of their most famous crop. The event also features artisan and food booths, a parade and a carnival.

You can purchase your chili and or other crops at the chili fest. They will roast your chili for you on the spot.

You can even order your chili’s by the heat factor. Like Med, Hot , Extra hot, and Triple X, Hot.  However I ordered mine Triple X hot and I got med. (I hate it when that happens).

As you can see even the people dress up like little chili’s. I couldn’t find a costume small enough for Tiger, so he just went as is. …(Nude).

Normally this is a free event. But the City decided to start charging for this event this year and at $10.00 a car load they still had a bumper to bumper line in and out of the town.

This is Uncle Sam and he is big.  He’s right downtown close to the local hamburger stand.

 

 

 

These guys I remember as a young boy. Now you just don’t see them anymore.

 

 

 

You can even get your picture taken with Col. Sanders and/or Ronald Mac Donald.I just can’t figure out what this chicken has to do with Soft Ice Cream. ( maybe it’s a “Hatch” thing).  Tiger and I had a good time in Hatch even though it was quite warm or should I say hot that day.

Till the next time, be healthy and safe. Tiger & Stu