Annual Tree Lighting, Chili and Mac & Cheese Competition December 6, 2024

Friday, December 6, 2024 - 5:30pm

On Friday, December 6, from 5:30 to 8:00 pm, the final town event of the year will fill Burning Mountain Park. The annual Chili Cook-off and Mac and Cheese competition will be combined with the Tree Lighting celebration. The Christmas season kick-off will also feature photos with Santa in the gazebo and music from one of the local school's choir class. The town will provide everyone with free hot chocolate.

The Chili Cook-off and Mac & Cheese Competition are a big draw for this event. People who buy their tickets to be tasters will receive ballots so they can vote for their favorites. Each taster will receive an official taster’s cup, spoon and ballot. Beer tickets will be sold separately.

Winners of the contests will be determined by anonymous judges for the “Judge’s Champion” award, and by ballot votes for the “People’s Choice” award. Besides the honor of being New Castle’s top chef, the People’s Choice winners in each category will get a $100 prize, and the Judges’ Champions will receive $150.

Contestants must register at newcastlerec.com and the registration fee is $35.00. Contestants must bring at least three gallons of food in crockpots which hold a temperature of at least 140 degrees. Additional requirements are noted at newcastlerec.com. Questions can be addressed to New Castle Recreation at 970-984-3352 or to Kelley at kcox@newcastlecolorado.org.

Tree Lighting Celebration Schedule:
5:30 pm – Ticket sales start, and competition begins at Burning Mountain Park. 6:00 pm – Tree Lighting and welcome address by Mayor Art Riddile. 6:15 pm and School Choir performance.

7:30 pm – Ticket sales end.
8:00 pm – Voting closes and winners are announced..