St. Albans Fall Y'all Chili Cook-Off

The Fall Y'all Chili Cook-Off turns Main Street and Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans into an open chili competition run by St. Albans Fairs & Festivals, which supports the police department's K9 unit and youth programs. The cook-off is deliberately unsanctioned, so any style goes, red or white, mild or hot, meat or vegetarian, and first responders, businesses, organizations and home cooks compete side by side for cash prizes and People's Choice. Food and craft vendors line the street, and live bands fill the main stage after an opening ceremony that honors area middle school students for their academic work. It runs rain or shine.

Our take: Stay into the late afternoon: winners are announced after the headliner's set, so the last hour is when the bragging rights get settled.