Spitting just ain’t polite. But we’ll make an exception to our feelings about this particular use of the pucker during the annual Great Bean Spit Off during Pueblo’s annual Chile & Frijoles Festival, Thursday through Sept. 24.
Though there are many higher-brow ways Pueblo pays homage to its beloved mirasol chiles and their homely compatriot, the dried bean – like art shows, a mercado, chile cook-offs and car shows, raft rides on the Arkansas River, a foot race and an endless run of live entertainment – you can show off your skill at spitting pintos for distance and accuracy during Lowly Frijole events that run all day Saturday and Sunday along the Union Avenue Historic District, between First and B streets.
Once you’ve tested your mettle against the staple of Pueblo’s agricultural economy, wander through the “Representing the West” art show and sale at the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center and the Pueblo Convention Center, or take a taste of chilis and salsas entered in commercial and amateur divisions of the Chile & Salsa Showdown. You can check out a whitewater rodeo along the Arkansas River kayak course at noon on Saturday, launch a homemade raft during the Pepper Plunge at 2 p.m. Sunday, or take a chance on a rubber duck riding the Whitewater Ducky Dash an hour later.
All the fun is free. Find the complete schedule at pueblochamber.org.
