14th ANNUAL KEYPORT COUNTRY JAMBOREE & CHILI FEST
The 14th Annual Keyport Country Jamboree and Chili Fest is an old-fashioned street fair featuring live music and entertainment, a contest to judge the best homemade baked cakes, pies and jams, and the best Chili around. The festival returns to downtown Keyport on Saturday, October 8th and Sunday, October 9th.
Admission and parking is free, with the event taking place on West Front Street, which will be closed to traffic during the event from Broad to Beers streets. The event will take place from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, rain or shine, offering great food and fun for the whole family. There will be a beer and wine garden.
On Saturday, October 8th, the Paul Marino Band will perform at 11:00 AM followed by the Due South Band at 1:30. The Steel Rail BluesBand will take he stage at 4:00 PM. On Sunday, October 9th, Mark Miklos will perform at 11:00 AM, followed by Michael Patrick and the Ring of Fire Band at 1:00 PM. The Southern Steel Band takes the stage at 3:30 PM. The bands will be performing in the mini-park on West Front Street overlooking the beautiful waterfront promenade. There will be additional performers such as the Legendary OK Cowboy, and strolling Cowboys and Cowgirls. The kids won’t want to miss their stunts such as knife juggling, gun spinning, whip cracking and lassoing.
Keyport’s downtown stores and cafes will be open throughout the festival, and specialty vendors and crafters lining the route, offering unique jewelry, clothing, handbags, gifts and other merchandise, will join them.
On Saturday, professional chili chefs from the Keyport Restaurants will be competing for a trophy. The chili tasting and voting will run from Noon to 5:00 PM on Saturday where spectators can vote in the People’s Choice award category. There are nearly a dozen Keyport Restaurants participating in the famous cook-off. The tasting kits will be available for $5 each at the Visitor Tent located on the corner of Main & West Front Streets. The Kit includes a Country Jamboree Tote Bag, a map with participating restaurants, utensils, wet naps and a ballot. Chili will be available for purchase throughout the weekend at the food court along with many other festival favorites.
On Sunday, from Noon to 4:00 PM, the Cake, Pie and Jam Contest will be opened to the general public for submissions. The winners will be announced at 5:00 PM. The Children’s Rides will be located on the West Front Street. The Keyport Country Jamboree and Chili Fest is hosted by the Keyport Business Alliance. For more information, call 732-739-0690.
