Chile & Frijoles Festival heats up downtown Pueblo
The sound and smell of chiles roasting means fall is in the air in Pueblo.
“The smell of chiles is this wholesome goodness. It just has a unique aroma that is delicious and then I just immediately start salivating,” said festival goer Amy Clemons.
KRDO NewsChannel 13 spoke with hungry customers at the festival Friday who were beating the big crowd expected this weekend — eager for a taste of a Pueblo staple.
“My favorite food I would say is a smothered hamburger with green chile on top,” said Chelsea Crandall.
Bill Cruch said, “You can mix it with anything you want — eggs, put it on Spanish food. I just love it.”
While it may be the unsung hero of the Chile & Frijoles Festival, farmers say don’t forget about the frijoles.
“The frijoles are a big part of our festival also because they go great with chiles, first of all, and we grow all of our own beans here and they’re all great. They’re fresh. They’re a new crop,” said Cheri Pullara, owner of Peppers & Petals.
Whether it’s the chile, frijoles or live music that brings people to the event, festival goers agree it showcases Pueblo at its finest.
Organizers expect more than 100,000 people to attend the festival at the Union Avenue Historic District this weekend.
The festival continues Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $3 and it’s free for children 12 and under.
