The smell of fresh, homemade chili will be engulfing downtown Ionia once again, as we enjoy Autumn Celebration, Chili-Dawg Challenge.
The week leading up to the event features Scare Crow Alley with frightening & creative designs lining lampposts on Main Street.
This is the fall event that Ionians and visitors alike try not to miss – bringing nearly 6000 people to Main Street. There is so much to participate in and see that it is a challenge within itself for anyone to do it all!
The celebration will have the classics for everyone’s enjoyment, which will include the famous
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Independent Bank Chili Dawg Challenge Up to 15 varieties of Chili & Gormet Dogs available. $1.50/ea or 4/$5. Available 4p until over 6,000 dogs are sold.
Chili Dawg Eating Contest - Pre Register 5:15pm ($10) limited to 1st 10 registrations >>> 6:45pm contest. Proceeds Benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters |
Register Here for a Chili Dawg Boothjdinehart@ibcp.com |
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Scarecrow Alley Trunk-R-TreatFrightening and creative designs line lampposts along Main St. |
Registration is free to members. $25-$50 participation fee to all others. Please use Register button near top of page. |
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Meijer Costume Contest3 age groups with 1st through 3rd place winner in each. Located at Ionia Theatre. |
Registration begins in the Theatre at 4:30p Contest begins at 5:45p |
Main St. Business Trick or TreatPlease observe poster in business windows for the times they are offering treats. |
NO Registration | |
Restore Church Harvest CarnivalEnjoy up to 20 games and even a sack race in the 400 block of Main St. 4pm till prizes run out. |
NO Registration | |
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Lucky Dog Grooming Pet Costume ContestIt's your pet and how they parade a creative costume! Prizes in 3 categories. We've had everything including turkeys :) |
Pre-Registration at 4:15 in front of Mercantile Bank Contest begins at 7pm. |
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Department of Public Safetyhosts touch a truck and complimentary hot chocolate, while it lasts! |
NO Registration |
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Live Music presented by Main St. Music400 block of Main St.4-7:30pm |
NO Registration, Contact Jim Killion |
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Hocus Pocus FREE Movie presented by Live Local RealtyAt Ionia Theatre 7:30pm |
NO Registration |
All proceeds from the event will benefit Big Brothers, Big SIsters
Thursday Oct 27, 2016
4:00 PM - 7:30 PM EDT
Chili Dawgs from 4 until sold out!
Chili Dawg Eating Contest PreRegistration 5:15 -6:15 (or until 10 contestants) Contest at 6:45pm
Live Music 4 - 7:45pm
Harvest Carnival 4-7pm
Trunk-R-Treat 4-7pm
Business Trick or Treat 5-6:30pm
Costume Contest PreRegistration 4:30 to 5:30 Contest at 5:45
Pet Costume Contest PreRegistration 4:15 to 6:45 Contest at 7pm
Fire Truck Tours 4-7:30
Bounce House 4-7:30
Three blocks of Main Street Ionia are filled with these events, from M-66 to the Theatre. Chili-Dawg Challenge stage is on Depot St, just north of Main Main Street and part of N. Depot St is closed to traffic and parking from Noon to 8pm
Chili Dawg booths located on the Theatre block and 300 block just west of Depot St.
Meijer Costume Contest is held at the Ionia Theatre
Public Safety & Firetruck at Main & Kidd St.
Restore Church Harvest Carnival Games & Prizes from Armory to Main St. Music
Main St. Music Stage middle of 400 Block
Trunk R Treat - Middle Block of Main St (300 Block)
Pet Costume Contest by Lucky Dog at corner of Main & Depot St.
Trick or Treat through participating Main St. Businesses
Chili Dawg tickets are $1.50 each,
or 4 tickets for $5
Chili-Dawgs one ticket
Gourmet Dawgs are two tickets.
Chili Dawg eating contest limited to 10 participants - $10 entry fee