JACKSON, MI— Fall festivities are in full swing in Jackson, and despite the weather being 80 degrees, people showed up and showed out for the fifth annual Fall Fest & Chili Classic.
Many tents lined up across Michigan Avenue on Saturday, Sep. 27, for the chili cook off, where about 30 businesses created their own unique versions of the classic fall dish.
One team of chili cooks was not a business, just a team of girls who love chili. Lori Suomala started entering contests years ago, and is excited to return to this event.
“I went to a chili cook off many years ago and I just thought it was the most fun I ever had,” Suomala said. “I was like, I want to do that, you know? I’ve always loved to cook chili, and I’ve always been a chef of some sort in my own mind.”
Hundreds of people excitedly walked around to sample and judge the different chili, many carrying around muffin pans or other items that allow them to hold their sample cups.
Judging lasted for two hours, and Northwest Community Schools ultimately won the people’s choice category.
Besides the chili cook off, there were other activities for children, different shops and live music throughout the day.