Grand Junction Say Goodbye to Chili Cook-Off

There is a big change in store for Grand Junction's annual Southwest Arbor Fest, and that means goodbye to the chili cook-off.

The 15th annual Southwest Arbor Fest at Grand Junction's Lincoln Park on April 23 will not feature a chili or salsa competition. This year it's all about mac and cheese.

Chili cookers and tasters may be disappointed by the news, but a mac and cheese cook-off might just be the shot in the arm this event needs. First place wins $300!

Other facets of Southwest Arbor Fest will remain in tact like the jalapeno eating contest, live entertainment, touch-a-truck for the kids, and of course the Arbor Day booth.

Musical entertainment this year will feature Shea Bramer, Wrong Impressions, and Jack+ Jill.

One of the big draws at the event again this year will be the Colorado Craft Beer Expo featuring brews from at least 14 breweries. For $20 you get a commemorative glass and unlimited tastings.

Now back to the mac and cheese. There must be a thousand ways you could go with this. The only rules are that you  must use macaroni noodles, and there must be cheese. Beyond that you can put whatever you want in it. Get an application here.

So, get those mac and cheese recipes out and get ready to share your masterpiece with hundreds of mac and cheese aficionados.