The city of Lenexa says nearly 200 chili teams will fire up their cook stations in Old Town Lenexa at Santa Fe Trail Drive and Pflumm Road on Friday and Saturday for the 39th annual Lenexa Chili Challenge.
Admission is free both days. Gates open at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, for an opening night of live music, face painters and balloon artists. On Saturday, Oct. 10, gates open at 10 a.m., and attendees can grab a free spoon at the entrance to sample chili, wings and salsa from competing teams while supplies last. Sampling runs until 3 p.m.
One change this year: no fireworks. The city said on its official event page that it retired the fireworks display, citing the resources, staffing and road closures the show required. The city said it chose to refocus on the chili, music and community gathering at the event's core.
Teams compete in traditional chili (no beans), homestyle chili, wings and salsa. A Kids Kornbread Contest is open to children 12 and under, with entries limited to the first 30 registered kids. Kids must submit at least six servings in a disposable container. Walk-up entries are accepted if spots remain. Cornbread must be turned in at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Lenexa Old Town Activity Center.
Last year's Grand Champion was Muchos Gaseous, a Lenexa team led by head cook Marc Lassalle. Reserve Grand Champion went to Some Like It Hot 2 from Shawnee, led by Crystal Volk. The top fundraising team, Moe Dangie Hillbilly Chili, raised $10,021 for JDRF.
Live music from Superstar Mafia runs Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Face painters and balloon artists will be on-site both days. Contest winners will be announced on stage around 4 p.m. Saturday.
What to know before you go
The event is at 13461 Santa Fe Trail Drive in Lenexa. Several roads in the Old Town area close Friday at 8:30 a.m. through Saturday at 6 p.m., including Santa Fe Trail Drive from Pflumm Road to Caenen Lake Road and Walnut Street from Pflumm Road to Depot Street.
Parking is available on public streets and in the Old Town Activity Center lot, which has limited handicap-accessible spaces. Additional parking is at Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church. No shuttles are provided.
Pets are not allowed; only service dogs are permitted. Bikes, skateboards and motorized vehicles are also prohibited in the event area, with the exception of wheelchairs and other devices needed by people with disabilities. Food vendors on-site include Butterfluff Popcorn, The Big Cheese, KC Kona Ice and Pops Soda Shop. The Rotary Club of Lenexa will sell beverages, including alcohol.
For weather updates or cancellation notices, call 913-477-7170.
Upcoming community events
- Friday, Oct. 9, and Saturday, Oct. 10: Lenexa Chili Challenge, Old Town Lenexa, free admission
- Saturday, Oct. 17: De Soto Halloween at the ’Fest, free
- Ongoing: Lenexa Farmer's Market, open Saturdays through October
