Two downtown OKC streets to close for 21st annual Carne Diem chili cook-off Friday
The annual Carne Diem chili cookoff is set to takeover downtown Oklahoma City from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday.
Back for its 21st year, the event hosted annually by VI Marketing and Branding is a downtown block party featuring hot chili, cold drinks, live music and fun, all to raise funds for United Way.
After raising a record-breaking $10,515 in 2022, the event returns in 2023 with an Octoberfest theme, featuring more than 60 varieties of chili. Attendees can also enjoy live performances by a local band, local beer, Carne Diem merchandise and more.
Donate a minimum of $15 and receive three bowls of the chili recipes of your choosing and take part in the annual pepper eating contest. A panel of judges will declare chili cook-off winners in both the professional and amateur divisions with the restaurant winner taking home the coveted “Carne Cup,” a traveling trophy featuring a Carne Diem bowl inscribed with the names of past winners, nestled into a wooden flame sculpture.
“We're really excited to host this fantastic event once again,” said VI CEO Tim Berney. “Every year, the support from our community for Carne Diem and United Way blows us away. We can't wait to join everyone for another fun-filled day.”
Park Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic between Broadway and Robinson during the event.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Carpe Diem chili cook-off in OKC is Friday
