Buchanan’s 16th Annual Chili Walk Sponsored by the Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Sturgis Bank – Niles Banking Center
The Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the best chili walk in the area. Buchanan may be a small town, but we do it big when it comes to serving chili! On Thursday, April 11, 2024, local businesses and organizations will standoff to see who has the best chili in Buchanan. The public is encouraged to participate in the sampling, and each attendee may vote for their favorite chili and team with the most spirit.
There will be a FIVE DOLLAR; $5.00 charge for each participant/spoon. A portion of the money will again go to a local non-profit organization. This year we have chosen to partner with The Tin Shop Theater and our non-profit organization. This year's Chili Walk will once again be held downtown in a progressive fashion, with Lehman's Farmhouse being the start and endpoint.
The event will occur Thursday, April 11th, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 6:45 pm. Spoon sales will begin at 4:45 pm, and the awards presentation will start at 7:30 pm, both at Lehman's Farmhouse. The deadline to register is 3/24/2024. There will be three award categories – Judges' Choice, People's Choice, and Spirit award. Contestants and visitors are encouraged to participate with spirit. This year's theme is the arts to collaborate with The Tin Shop Theater.
Each contestant will be matched up with a local business to showcase their chili and place of business. Visitors will go from spot to spot to sample and mingle. Downtown Buchanan businesses are invited to share their spaces and allow the community to get to know them better. Many businesses will offer promotional items and sales for visitors of the chili walk.
Coming back this year will entail teaming up with Buchanan businesses, Kombi Keg SW Michigan, and Sturgis Bank and Trust – Niles Banking Center. Kombi Keg SW Michigan will have a few tasty flavors of lemonade for sale, and Sturgis Bank and Trust – Niles Banking Center will sponsor our Chill Zone with music provided by DPM Events. Look for the festive van located at the intersection of Main and Front St. and chill while enjoying music, cornhole, and conversation.
If you're up to the test of taking on the town, join us for the 2024 Buchanan Chili Walk. Teams are signing up now. If you have any questions about the contest, please get in touch with the Buchanan Area Chamber's Chili Walk Chairman, Kyle Zelmer, at kzelmer@moveyourhorizon.com or by calling/texting 574-302-7111
Past Winners
2023
2023 Judge's Choice - Honor Credit Union
2023 People's Choice - Honor Credit Union
2023 Most Spirited Team - McCoy Creek Tavern
Buchanan Tree Friends was the 2023 recipient of the event proceeds.
2022
2022 Judge's Choice - Buchanan Masons
2022 People's Choice - McCoy Creek Tavern
2022 Best Name Chili - McCoy Creek Tavern "Unicorn’s Last Supper"
Most Spirited Team - Union Coffee House
Buchanan Garden Club was the 2022 recipient of the event proceeds.
2018
2018 Judge's Choice - Hill Top Cafe
2018 People's Choice - Buchanan-Galien Lions Club
2018 Best Name Chili - American Legion "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot" WTF
Most Spirited Team - D. MottL Realty LLC
Have Fun at Buchanan Parks was the 2018 recipient of the event proceeds.
2017
2017 Judge's Choice - John Sexton
2017 People's Choice - City of Buchanan DPW
2017 Best Name Chili - American Legion "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot" WTF
Most Spirited Team - D. MottL Realty LLC
The Buchanan Band Booster Program was the 2017 recipient of the event proceeds.
2016
2016 Judge's Choice - Buchanan Legion
2016 People's Choice - McCoy Creek Tavern
2016 Best Name Chili - Sonny's Lounge "The Drunken Buck"
Most Spirited Team - Buchanan Department of Public Works
The "Toys for Tots" program of Wesner's Automotive was the 2016 recipient of the event proceeds.
2015
2015 Judges Choice - Hilltop Cafe
2015 People Choice - McCoy Creek Tavern
Best Name Chili - Hilltop Cafe' - "Bean me up Scotty!"
Most Spirited Award - City of Buchanan - DPW
The Buchanan District Library was the 2015 recipient of the event proceeds.