Gravette community fall festival planned Saturday

GRAVETTE — The Gravette community fall festival, sponsored by the Greater Gravette Chamber of Commerce, will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 26. All activities will take place in the parking lot at Ozarks Community Hospital, 1101 Jackson Street S.W.

There will be a number of events for children to enjoy at the festival, including a petting zoo, pumpkin painting, face painting and craft booths. All vendor booths will offer games for the youngsters to play and prizes for the winners. A trunk or treat activity will be held, with some vendors dispensing candy and other goodies from the trunks of their vehicles. Free hot dogs, chips and drinks will also be served.

A chili cookoff is a popular part of the festival each year. Teams of chili cooks pay $10 per team to enter and set up a booth to serve their chili. Each team will cook two to four gallons of chili. A $100 prize will be given to the winner of the vote for the best chili. Cookoff teams are encouraged to name their chili and decorate their booths in keeping with the theme. A $50 prize will be given to the most creative team, including their costumes and booth decorations. Cookoff and judging will begin at 4 p.m., and winners will be announced at 6:30 p.m.

“The chili cookoff is for cooks who just want to have fun and be recognized for their superb culinary skills. Let your hair down! Dress up, wear a costume, and have fun!” said festival organizers. Festival visitors will enjoy the event too, as they will be able to pay only $1 for the privilege of tasting all the entries. They will be given two tickets, one to vote for the best chili and another to vote for the most creative team.

The festival will be held rain or shine. All activities are free. All those attending are encouraged to come in costume.

Anyone having questions or seeking more information about the event should call Amanda Gittlein, 479-3446464, or email agittlein@ochonline.com.