Family-friendly Festival continues to Grow & Add Local Entertainment
The 10th Annual Chili Fights in the Heights, a family-friendly event, is put on in conjunction with the Heights Neighborhood Association and The Hat Club to bring the community together. All proceeds benefit the Arkansas Foodbank (more than $20,000 was given back to the Foodbank in 2018). This year’s annual street festival will be held on Saturday, October 26, and pits teams against each other to find the best chili Little Rock has to offer. Admission is free, but tasting kits will be available for purchase at the event.
And, while this event is mostly about chili, there is so much that has been added this year…live music, a KidZone area with a bounce house, face painting, your favorite local food trucks, a beer garden, and new for 2019, a Game Cave to keep up-to-date on the latest college football games. Also, the event will be raffling an EZGO golf cart and a guitar autographed by The Cadillac Three. Additionally, we are thrilled to have Eric Sullivan and Joe Franklin from 103.7 The Buzz emceeing the event.
Earlier this week, I had the chance to catch up with Gardner Lile, Hat Club member and chairman of this year’s event. “Chili Fights in the Heights means a lot to me because it is a good time while raising funds for a great cause. We have officially surpassed the $100,000 mark for funds donated to the Arkansas Foodbank, and we couldn’t be more excited about it,” says Lile. “We invite Arkansans of all ages to come out and support this event next weekend. Come out and meet our teams, support the Hat Club, and you’ll have a fun time in a great atmosphere for kids, families, and adults.”
The Hat Club is a socially responsible non-profit organization that offers members access to Philanthropy through community service & charitable events. The organization is committed to helping a number of charitable organizations through our fundraising events, while helping better the community in the process. Since its inception in 2010, The Hat Club has donated more than $466,000 to over 32 charities. Currently, there are more than 150 members…who are all local young professionals determined to make a difference through their involvement in philanthropy.
“I joined The Hat Club after searching for a way to help give back after I graduated from college. The Hat Club has not only enabled me to be involved in the community, but allowed me to make lasting friendships,” Lile adds.
The Hat Club will be accepting new member applications later this year. For more on how to become involved, visit www.hatclublr.com.
By Chris Shenep
