Pints and the Park returns Friday

MT. PLEASANT — Central Park will fill with a variety of food and drink as Main Street Mt. Pleasant’s long-lived chili and soup contest, Pints in the Park, returns Friday, Sept. 29.

“Get ready to savor the flavors of fall at the most anticipated event of the season,” Main Street Mt. Pleasant announced. “It's time to warm up with some mouthwatering soups and chili while enjoying your favorite drinks in Central Park.”

From 6-7:30 p.m. soup and chili competitors consisting of restaurants, nonprofits, churches, and individuals will fill the park in hopes of gaining favor from a panel of judges and the public to take home the titles for Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice.

Considering how quickly it gets dark this time of the year, Oetken hopes to name the new “Soup King,” and “Chili Champion” by 8 p.m. to wrap up the evening.

In addition to warm soups, attendees can grab cold drinks of beer, hard ciders or soda for purchase.

According to Main Street Mt. Pleasant Director Lisa Oetken, the southeast Iowa band Whiskey Friends will provide entertainment as everyone mills around the park enjoying the food and beverages.

This chili and soup cook-off tradition, which began over 20 years ago received a name change in 2016, but according to Oetken, it remains as popular as ever.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com