Chili Oktoberfest in Murrysville adds cornbread category

Murrysville Recreation Director Carly Greene is proof that you don’t have to spend months perfecting a chili recipe in order to make a tasty pot of the good stuff for her department’s annual Chili Oktoberfest.

“One year we didn’t have enough entries,” she said. “The night before, I went to Ferri’s (grocery store), grabbed a bunch of canned goods, threw them in my cart, tossed them in a pot with some chili seasoning and brought it.”

Much to Greene’s surprise, people started mentioning her numbered entry — all of the contestants remain anonymous — among their favorites.

“I started feeling bad because other people were saying, ‘Oh, I’ve been working on this recipe for months.’ And mine was straight off the shelf,” she said.

In an effort to avoid that scenario, Greene and recreation officials are seeking additional entries for this year’s Chili Oktoberfest, set for 1-5 p.m., Oct. 12 at the Murrysville Volunteer Fire Company pavilion at 3235 Sardis Road.

The event is hosted in partnership with the Murrysville-Export Rotary Club, and this year will also feature a new category: cornbread.

“I love cornbread, and there are so many ways to make it,” Greene said.

The afternoon will also include live entertainment by the Hoffman Road Band, beer available from Helltown Brewing, children’s games and more.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased through EventBrite, from a Rotary member or by contacting the recreation department at 724-327-2100, ext. 131 or 115.

Prospective contestants can also fill out a form at MurrysvillePARecreation.com to register their chili or cornbread.