~~~ 2023 Sturgis Fall Hot Pepper Festival POSTPONED ~~~
Official Press Release
September 21, 2023
Good evening:
The Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau is announcing the postponement of the Sturgis Fall Hot Pepper Festival, previously planned for this Saturday, 9/23.
We have had several key components of the Sturgis Fall Hot Pepper Festival drop out due to risk of rain this weekend (hay maze, entertainment and sound system, several vendors, petting zoo, etc).
For this reason, we surveyed our vendors on three different courses of action: 1) Continuing as planned; 2) Postponing (will have to be end of October due to ordinance requirements on street closure requests); or 3) Canceling the festival.
The majority of vendors and activity hosts have already voted in favor of a postponement of the Sturgis Fall Hot Pepper Festival to late October. We are tentatively submitting a street closure application for Saturday, October 28th. This date will also be weather-contingent, but we are hoping for the best! This is also the weekend of our big Haunted Tour, so we may have great turnout if the weather cooperates and if our City Council approves the postponement.
Please stay tuned for additional updates and details on the postponed event. If you have questions, you may contact Events@SturgisAreaChamber.com or call our office at (605) 347-2556.
Sincerely,
Sturgis Chamber Staff
Updated Event Information
4th Annual Sturgis Fall ~HOT PEPPER~ Festival!
Tentatively Postponed To: Saturday, October 28th, 2023
2PM - 6PM
Harley-Davidson Rally Point (at Main Street & Harley-Davidson Way)
FREE to attend!
About
The Sturgis Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau invites your family to the 2023 Sturgis Fall ~HOT PEPPER~ Festival - postponed to Saturday, October 28th from 2-6PM!
Our Fall Festival is entering its 4th year, and what better way to celebrate than by showcasing a local staple, hot peppers, at this year's event!
Attendees can enjoy FREE activities including:
- Hot Pepper Market featuring pepper-related vendor products!
- Hot Pepper Culinary Samples (details TBA)
- Hot Pepper Eating Competition (see below!)
- 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off (see below!)
- Kids' Fall Festival Activities
- Live Music All Day
- Fall Photo Booth
Stop by Harley-Davidson Rally Point in downtown Sturgis from 2-6pm for this annual fall favorite event with a spicy twist.
Now Accepting Vendors!
We are now seeking vendors of all kinds to attend the festival and sell your wares! We are especially interested in any vendor offering hot peppers, hot sauce, salsa, or any hot pepper-related items. Booths are just $20 for a standard 10x10' space! **Please note the new event date, 10/28**
Competition Sign-up Now Open!
Contact the Sturgis Chamber office at (605) 347-2556 or email Events@SturgisAreaChamber.com to enter the competitions! Details and forms provided below and at our office.
CHILI COOK OFF:
Our 4th annual Chili Cook Off is open to ANYONE and EVERYONE! Businesses or individuals from across the area may enter for free. Click the link for the registration form and full competition details. You could win entrance to the World Chili Cook-Off Championship!
HOMEMADE SALSA COMPETITION:
Do you brew the best salsa around? Is it the spiciest, the sweetest, or maybe the most unusual? Enter our first Homemade Salsa Competition for a chance at a trophy! Click below to learn more and enter. Open to all!
GARDEN GRANGE DISPLAY COMPETITION:
Gardeners everywhere are invited to enter the "Garden Grange Display" competition! Simply select up to 10 of your best, most impressive home-grown produce items (can include vegetables, grains, berries, fruits, flowers, etc - small items may be grouped) and arrange them in your designated 2'x3' (approx.) table display area for judging and public vote. You may sell or keep your items!
HOT PEPPER EATING CONTEST:
Do you have taste buds of steel? Are you considered a champion of spicy foods amongst your family and friends? Test your mettle and enter our Hot Pepper Eating Contest! Open to ages 18 and up - try a series of hot peppers to see if you have what it takes to be HOT PEPPER CHAMPION!