Green chile and Native American culture will arrive in Ignacio in September.
While the Southern Ute Tribal Fair is a huge event that will draw residents from throughout the region for its 98th year, the festival is new, entering its second year.
The tribal fair starts on Friday, Sept. 7 and runs through Sunday, Sept. 9
Highlights of the tribal fair include the Vigil Family run walk at 7 a.m. Saturday at the SunUte Community Center. The parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday will fill downtown Ignacio with floats, cars, tribal royalty, horses and more. A powwow also will be held for three days next weekend.
A full schedule of events is in the Southern Ute Drum.
On Sept. 8, the Ignacio Chamber of Commerce Green Chile Fest starts at 3 p.m. in Shoshone Park, with chile tasting from 4 to 6 p.m. Tickets cost $1 each for a four-ounce sample of green chile or a two-ounce sample of salsa and chips.
People's choice awards will be awarded in each category, along with first and second place awards, at 6:30 p.m. Medals and gift cards will be awarded to the winning cooks.
Chile has to be cooked in the park from noon to 4 p.m., with meat and green chiles provided by Farmers Fresh Market. Registration to compete in the cook-off is due on Labor Day, Sept. 3, at the market.
The festival includes a cornhole tournament at 3 p.m. The festival also includes live music, kids' games, and a beer and wine tent.
Event sponsors are Farmers Fresh Market, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Paco Glass, Sky Ute Casino and the Town of Ignacio.
For more information about the festival, call 563-0344.
