Chili tasting isn't the only activity on tap at cookoff

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The crowd will find more than chili at this weekend's world championship cookoff.

While cooks simmer their specialties, attendees will find a smorgasbord of activities at Appalachian Power Park during the International Chili Society's 43rd Annual World's Championship Chili Cookoff.

Festivities run today through Sunday as contestants vie for top honors in various cooking categories such as green and red, or traditional, chili divisions as well as salsa. Aside from all that, the crowd can sample activities from shopping and contests to entertainment.

"The idea is there is something for everyone from kids to adults," said George Manahan, chief executive officer of the Manahan Group which is among promoters for the event.

"We will have plenty of games for kids," he said. "The YMCA will have face painting and kids' games. We will have the inflatable games that the ballpark usually has. We have 16 vendors selling everything from jewelry to salsa."

Exhibitors will offer a variety of wares from glass and photography to foods.

Performers include the Voodoo Katz, 4 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Stonestreet 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and Davisson Brothers 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The Chili Chicks, a professional line dance team, will travel from Florida to Charleston to present performances throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday as the fill in between band performances.

West Virginia University football fans don't have to worry about missing the game with a big screen TV set up at noon Saturday for watching the Mountaineers take on Syracuse.