There are some interesting dynamics setting up on an upcoming weekend for some great fun in the central business district of downtown St. Joseph. Perhaps the best part of the deal is that two major events are separated by an overnight period to recover from one before advancing to the next. It’s almost time for the Chili Tour and the Winter Beer Fest — but they’re on consecutive days, not at the same time.
Whether you like your chili mild or fiery hot, your chili-inspired desserts simply sweet or sweet and spicy, or toasty hot beverages, you will find more than 25 ways to chase away the chill during the 6th Annual Downtown Chili Tour, presented by the Hilton Garden Inn, on Friday January 26th, followed by the Winter Beer Fest on Saturday, the 27th.
The Chili Tour event takes place from 5 to 8pm in downtown St. Joseph as merchants and restaurants offer samples of their favorite chili recipes in hopes of earning the People’s Choice Award determined by popular vote or the Chili Pepper Award determined by a panel of judges.
Amy Zapal, Executive Director of St. Joseph Today says, “There is a suggested donation of $2 per person which includes a map of participating locations that doubles as your voting ballot.” She notes, “A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Benton Harbor Soup Kitchen.”
Registrants will get a map of chili stop locations which they can turn in at the end of the night to vote for their favorite chili as well as be entered in a drawing for a $25 St. Joseph Today Gift Certificate good at more than 40 locations. That drawing will be held January 29th.
The following sites are this year’s chili stop locations:
- Baroda Founders featuring chili by Bistro on the Boulevard
- Biggby Coffee featuring chili by Zoup!
- The Buck Burgers & Brew
- Caffé Tosi featuring the SJHS Culinary Team
- The Candlestick Maker
- Chartreuse featuring chili by Sister Lakes Brewing
- Chocolate Café
- Edgewater Bank featuring chili by Tosi’s FuzzyButz Pet Bakery featuring chili by Nosh Village
- HarborTown Interiors featuring chili by Plank’s
- Kilwins
- Lana’s Boutique featuring chili by Papa Vino’s
- Lazy Ballerina Winery
- Lazy Daisy featuring Lake Michigan Vintners
- The Natural Gem featuring chili by Coach’s Bar & Grill
- Oh My Darlings featuring chili by LakeHouse Restaurant & Bar
- Olive Cart featuring chili by Dino’s Family Restaurant & Pancake House
- Perennial Accents
- Purely Michigan featuring chili by Black Dragon Meadery
- reVive Spa featuring chili by Zion UCC
- Schu’s Grill & Bar
- Silver Harbor Brewing
- St. Joseph Today featuring chili by Hilton Garden Inn
- State Street Stuff featuring chili by The Grill at Harbor Shores
- Third Coast Surf Shop featuring chili by Zoup!
- 221 Main
- Vivi’s Italian Garden
- Wanderlust Outfitters featuring chili by Round Barn
- Waterfront Framing & Fine Art
- The Whitcomb featuring chili by CK Catering
- White Pine Winery featuring chili by Clementine’s Too
Zapal adds that several non-chili locations are also “must stops” that evening because of their special sales and family-friendly entertainment.
Those looking to enjoy a full weekend of fun in St. Joseph can also still purchase tickets for the 3rd Annual Winter Beer Fest. Tickets are available at themendelcenter.com. For updates about the Chili Tour and future events, visit stjoetoday.com, facebook.com/stjoetoday or call 269-985-1111.
St. Joseph Today is a membership-based nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and promoting events and businesses in St. Joseph and the surrounding communities. For more information about upcoming events, visit stjoetoday.com or facebook.com/stjoetoday.