Our Chili Chowder Cook Off event is back for 2022! We and the community were both bummed last year that this event had to be canceled due to the pandemic, but we are excited that this year it is back in full force. The event will be happening on Second Ave in Downtown Alpena on Saturday, October 1st from 12pm-2pm. This year the Cook Off is happening in conjunction with other events as a part of Shades of Fall. 

Shades of Fall is a title for a varied and diverse set of events put on throughout the community for all to enjoy as fall sets in. These events are compiled under Shades of Fall in the hopes that there is something for everyone to enjoy throughout the day that will help to elevate the community and the transition into this wonderful, colorful season in Downtown Alpena.

Along with the Chili Chowder Cook Off from 12pm-2pm there will be children’s events hosted by the Thunder Bay Arts from 11am-2pm in Downtown Alpena and the Besser Museum will be having family fun events from 12pm-4pm at the museum located at 491 Johnson St, Alpena, MI 49707. After the Chili Chowder and the kid’s events are done in the early afternoon, the Sunrise Suds Tap Takeover begins offering live music and beverages from 2pm-midnight. More information about the Sunrise Suds Tap Takeover can be found at their website here. The entire day will be filled with fun events all along Second Ave in Downtown Alpena, and we hope that the community will enjoy the variety of different activities that they can take part in.

In addition to the events that are happening, the Thunder Bay Arts with support from Nicolet Bank are hosting the Shades of Fall Scarecrow Competition to bring a festive fall atmosphere downtown for the fall season. Individuals, families, organizations, and businesses can all enter into the competition for the opportunity to get creative and win a prize while helping to decorate downtown with fun fall scarecrows! For details about the entry and prizes, you can visit Thunder Bay Arts website here.

Tickets and registration to enter the contest for the Chili Chowder Cook Off can be found on the Alpena Downtown Development Authority’s website here. Any individual, organization, or business is welcome to participate with a chili or a chowder! Registration closes on September 23, 2022 and awards will be given for Best in Show (People’s Choice), Best Chili, Best Chowder, Most Spirited Booth, and Most Creative Recipe (for either chili or chowder). Tickets for the Summer Suds Tap Takeover will be available at the event for $10 as well.