Visitors can sample chile from farms across the state.
Cathy Cook | El Defensor Chieftain

The fourth annual Great New Mexico Chile Taste-Off will be held Oct. 8 at the City of Socorro’s Rodeo and Sports Complex.

The event, sponsored by the New Mexico Chile Association, Bueno Foods, Socorro County and the City of Socorro, will offer the chance to taste and purchase the widest selection of New Mexico-grown red and green chile under one roof.

Festivities will kick off with a parade from Sedillo Park down California Street. At 3 p.m., the event will start in the rodeo arena.

Attendees will have the opportunity to taste and purchase chile from at least a dozen New Mexico growers, representing all four corners of the state.

As in years past, there will be an official blind-tasting judged event with a panel of pre-selected judges, including two members of the general public to be selected from a drawing to be announced on social media.

While judges deliberate, people can explore the variety of food trucks and enjoy free live performances from local musicians. The event will close with the announcement of the year’s Best Red and Green Chile Growers in the state and be celebrated afterward with red and green fireworks to close out the night.

“We’re excited to provide New Mexico Chile Farmers the opportunity to showcase their delicious crop,” said Travis Day, Executive Director, New Mexico Chile Association. “This event highlights the local industry and is a chance for New Mexicans to find and support their favorite red and green chile growers.”

Admission is free.

Consisting of chile growers, processors, manufacturers, distributors and more, the New Mexico Chile Association has represented the state’s chile industry for over a decade.

The non-profit organization works diligently to maintain the chile industry’s prosperous presence in New Mexico.

El Defensor Chieftain