News - Local
Farmers report big sales during Pueblo chile fest
Posted: Sep 27, 2010 6:43 PM by David Ortiviz
Updated: Sep 27, 2010 8:09 PM
By all accounts the Chile and Frijoles Festival in Downtown Pueblo was a big success. The Pueblo Chamber of Commerce estimates the 3-day festival attracted about 100,000 people. "We had as many people, if not more than we had last year," said Rod Slyhoff, President of the Pueblo Chamber.
Farmers sold thousands of bushels of chiles--a few report sales of $20,000 to $50,000. "It's just getting bigger and better every year," said Carl Musso, with Musso's Farm.
The festival started 16 years ago with only a few vendors and about 2,500 according to Slyhoff. Today's it's one of Pueblo's largest annual events. "You know back then I don't think they're realized what it would be today, but I think now they see where its gone and are amazed and love it," said Cheri Pullara, manager of Peppers Plus.
The festival may be over but farmers are still riding the wave. Pullara says they'll be roasting chiles in Pueblo County, until the first frost.
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