Plenty of locals were disappointed when it was announced in August that First Friday festivities in downtown Statesboro would be canceled for the remainder of 2024. Among the most bemoaned was the wildly popular December holiday celebration, which has for years included a "Chili Town" cookoff. 

But for many, the concern was about more than simply missing out on the festivities. For the past two years, this annual First Friday tradition has served as a significant fundraiser for the Humane Society of Statesboro and Bulloch County— so its cancellation threatened to deal a major setback to the organization’s ability to offer its wide range of community programs.

As president of the local Humane Society, Lynn Ivey said the organization recognized the popularity of the event and immediately began working on plans to keep the tradition alive.

“We wanted to make sure (it) didn't go away,” she said. “The community loves it, and we enjoy being a part of it.” 

With a new name but the same sizzle, Boro Chili Fest will be held as a standalone event at The Market at Visit Statesboro on Friday, December 6, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Use of this venue, where the Main Street Statesboro Farmers Market is held each Saturday from April through November, will allow the event to remain downtown while providing ample space for both chili cookoff participants and vendors, and plenty of parking will be available at area businesses.

There is no entry fee to Chili Fest, which will also feature a variety of free, family friendly activities including face-painting and pictures with Santa.

“Of course, sampling the chili is the name of the game,” Ivey said. “Sample away (for free), and drop a ticket for $1 each to vote for your favorite.

“We search out discriminating chili judges,” she added playfully, “and reward trophies for the winners.”

Many competitors are returning participants, with a mix of restaurants, businesses and individual cooks welcome. All funds raised from ticket purchases will directly support the Humane Society’s mission to help save animals. As a volunteer-driven, 100% donation-funded organization, these funds are crucial to sustaining its initiatives in the community. 

While the organization is well-known for its animal adoption efforts, it also provides a pet food pantry to help financially struggling pet owners feed their animals. In addition, with the help of volunteers, it operates ReTails Thrift Shop, located at 105 North College Street in Statesboro, which has been recognized as one of the best thrift stores in Georgia.

Ivey credited local businesses and independent artists and crafters for their support, many of whom host, back and sponsor crucial fundraising efforts. One such initiative is the Locals Card, a $10 discount card available to purchase at ReTails and all Humane Society events. Proceeds from the card directly benefit the Humane Society, while the card itself encourages customers to support these local businesses.

“We do not receive funds from the city, county or state,” Ivey said. “Despite our name, we do not receive funds from national groups like the Humane Society of the United States. Events like Chili Fest and others we do, like our Silent Auction and Tailgate Bingo, help us raise money for our programs and educate the public about the importance of spaying, neutering and adopting pets.”

Following Chili Fest, the next Tailgate Bingo, hosted at Eagle Creek Brewery, is scheduled for December 7. Proceeds from these events and others help fund initiatives like the $20 Fix Voucher, which offers low-income households affordable spay and neuter services, covering all costs beyond a $20 fee, including rabies vaccinations if needed.

“Spaying and neutering is the least-expensive and easiest way to end pet overpopulation, and it keeps pets healthier so they live longer, too,” Ivey said. “We also assist with the county's Community Cat Program, otherwise known as the TNR (trap-neuter-return) program. Fixing free-roaming cats is the most efficient and humane way to control the animal population that was once (the) most euthanized at the county shelter.”

While Boro Chili Fest promises to be the same fun, delicious chili cookoff experience locals have grown to love over the years, it’s also an opportunity to help educate the community about what the Humane Society does and how others can help further this mission.

“All of our … volunteers are part of this community and love Bulloch County and its animals,” she said. “We are trying to do what we can to help, but funding and community support is the key!”