Get ready to feel the burn. Sponsored by Loaf ‘N Jug, the 24th annual Chile and Frijoles Festival kicks off this afternoon on the stretch of Union Avenue between City Center Drive and B Street.

This is the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce’s annual showcase of local agriculture, most particularly the spicy green chile found in sloppers and so many other dishes prepared around here. The chamber deserves a tremendous amount of credit for growing the festival from a sparsely attended expo into a nationally recognized event that draws an estimated 140,000 people to our community.

And why wouldn’t it? There’s a jalapeno eating contest for the brave among us. There’s a radio-controlled miniature boat race along the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo’s channel for those who are nautically inclined. A costumed chihuahua parade for those who like high fashion, small dogs or both. Contests to decide who makes the best red chile, green chile and salsa in our area. The Fiesta Queen will be there. And there will be live music, prize giveaways and lots and lots of booths where people can buy great food and other products.

Read more at The Pueblo Chieftain.