Pints in the Park returns

MT. PLEASANT — Main Street Mt. Pleasant hosts the return of Pints in the Park Chili and Soup Challenge Friday, Sept. 23 from 6-8 p.m.

Downtown Central Park will be hopping with chili and soup competitors hoping to take home awards for their culinary creations.

They will be judged on color, aroma, texture, flavor, and spiciness.

“Prizes will be given to the Judges choice for best chili and soup, and people’s choice for best chili and soup,” Mt. Pleasant Main Street Director Lisa Oetken said. “We will have iced cold beer and hard ciders as well as pop and water that people can purchase. This event kicks off fall for us.”

Restaurants, nonprofits, churches, and individuals are all invited to put their best soup forward for the event.

Jive Radio returns to the Pints in the Park scene to provide musical entertainment as attendees enjoy fall with warm soups and chili dishes.

Local breweries and wineries will provide cold beverages to accompany to the steamy bowls of soup.

“We have been doing the chili challenge for the past 20 years,” Oetken said. “We changed the name to Pints in the Park and added beer in 2016.”

This kick off to fall is a staple for the Mt. Pleasant community.

“It won best event from Main Street Iowa in 2017,” Oetken said.

The cost for this award winning event is $10 for adults, $5 for children 14-6, and is free for children 5 and under and includes all you can eat soup and chili.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com