April 25 will see the Inaugural “It’s Still Chili” Cook-Off in Lynchburg, an event sanctioned by the International Chili Society (ICS). There will be four categories, Traditional Red, Homestyle with Jack, Kid’s Cook, and Squires Only. Prize money will be awarded the top winners in each category. The event is set to debut along with the 30th annual Spring in the Hollow.

Taster’s Passes will be available for sampling different chilies, and will allow the public to vote in the Squires Only category. T-Shirts will be available as well. For contest rules and much more information, check the website, lynchburgtn.com/chili.

Spring in the Hollow will follow the Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, April 27, with all of the usual festival activities. The 5K Color Run will begin at 8:00, and vendors will open on the square at the same time. There will be plenty of plants on sale to brighten up the homeplace, as well as handmade crafts galore. The Rubber Duck Race will begin at 9:00 on Mulberry Creek; always a fun event, with proceeds going to benefi t the Sheperd’s House. There will be more cookin’ on the square beginning at 10:00, when Doc Morton and other Award-Winning Steak Cook-Off Association (SCA) Chefs start grilling up their famous Ribeye steak sandwiches. They will be available for sale as long as they last. Proceeds from the sandwich sales go towards the SCA cookoff prize money during Frontier Days.

Another favorite event will be the Birdhouse Auction. Anyone can enter their handmade birdhouses, and they are always decorated in a variety of imaginative styles. The auction begins at 11 a.m., so bid early and often! Proceeds go to the Chamber of Commerce general event funds, and help keep the good times rolling in Lynchburg. The Art Contest winners will be announced at noon.

As in past years, there will be plenty to see, do, eat, shop, and to enjoy a fun day for celebrating spring. Come one, come all!