Socorro, NM - The 3rd annual Great New Mexico Chile Taste-Off, sponsored by Bueno Foods, the City of Socorro and Socorro County, is right around the corner! The in-person event will be held September 18, 2021, at the Socorro Rodeo and Sports Complex. 

“We’re excited to provide access to the largest assortment of green and red chile under one roof,” said Joram Robbs, Executive Director, New Mexico Certified Chile Association. “This event will provide a way for New Mexico residents to support and celebrate local chile farmers.”

The festivities will begin at 2 p.m. with a parade that starts at Sedillo Park in Socorro, New Mexico. The parade will then travel down California Street ending at the Socorro Rodeo and Sports Complex. The gates to the event will then open at 3 p.m. following the parade. 

The event will kick off with opening ceremonies at 3:30 p.m. and thereafter, the public is encouraged to walk around and visit grower, vendor, and sponsor booths to taste and purchase chile. The judged event will be held from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. where a panel of judges will decide this year’s best green and red chile grower. This year’s panel of esteemed judges includes: State Senator George Munoz, Forrie Smith from the hit show Yellowstone, and Deputy Director Anthony Parra from NM Department of Agriculture to name a few.  The winners will be announced at 6:30 p.m. followed by the burning of giant red and green paper mâché chiles. The evening will come to an end featuring a live concert by Suavecitos and a Red and Green fireworks display at 7:30 p.m.

“There will be fun for the whole family at the event including performances, food and drinks, a beer garden and more," said Robbs. “If you love New Mexico chile this is the place for you. Come sample chile grown all over the state and take some home with you.“

Head to www.nmchiletasteoff.com for more information on the event and to stay up to date on announcements. Plan your weekend stay in Socorro at www.socorronm.gov.