In this arid desert climate it's not exactly easy to make things grow. But on the upside, that forces us to appreciate the things we can coax out of the soil, like chiles. The little peppers are great agricultural ambassadors for our region, with a wide variety of flavors and potential uses. And this weekend Roosevelt Row will host its second bash to celebrate a natural source of the spice of life.
The Roosevelt Row Chile Pepper Festival will offer local restaurants and chefs chance to achieve fiery hot glory with a Salsa Showdown. Attendees will be able to samples dozens of types of salsas and help crown a 2013 Salsa Challenge Title Holder. You'll probably need something to offset the heat, like a brew or two from the Deschutes beer garden. Live music will be provided by The Senators, as well as a local talent show courtesy of Lawn Gnome Publishing.
Celebrate the chile on Saturday, September 28, at the A.R.T.S. Market, 408 East Roosevelt Street, from 5 to 11 p.m. Tickets cost $15 a person. For more information visitwww.rooseveltrow.org/events/chile-fest.
Sat., Sept. 28, 5-11 p.m., 2013
