Entertainment Heats Up in Claremore

Claremore's Bluegrass & Chili Festival is September 7-9

Winning this competition means moving on to the World’s Championship Chili Cookoff sanctioned by the International Chili Society.

In perfect harmony, the distinctive sounds of bluegrass music and the spicy tastes of chili are sure to delight, as Claremore hosts the 38th Annual Bluegrass & Chili Festival on the grounds of the Claremore Expo Center on September 7, 8 & 9th.
Free activities will be offered at the Kiddie Korral, and the Festival Market, inside the Expo, will include a variety of crafts and vendors, showcasing their wares. On Saturday, teams will vie for a golden seat and silver plunger award during the Outhouse Races. The Open Car Show will host a wide array of entries, classics and current automobiles alike.
Just as the event name suggests, there will be chili for the tasting! Visitors will need to pick up their taster kits for a donation of $5.00 well in advance of the 4 o’clock tasting time on Saturday, as the chili goes quickly each year. Several divisions will participate in the cook-off, including a non-profit division open to non-profits, schools, churches, etc. First prize will be $1,000.
As if the activities and chili were not enough, the onstage entertainment is second to none. “It is one of the largest music festivals in the nation—and it’s free,” explains Dell Davis, CEO and President of the Claremore Chamber of Commerce. “Visitors from seven states, including Oklahoma, are represented... approximately thirty thousand visitors come over three days, and the economic impact is huge—well over $1 million.”
It is little wonder why people flock to the scene when the three stages are graced with such amazing talent. Headliners scheduled to appear this year include a host of award winners including festival fan favorites Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, and Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out.  Don’t miss RFD TV Hosts and newest members of the Grand Ole Opry, Dailey & Vincent appearing on Saturday.  Brand new to the Festival are the gospel favorites and Grammy nominees The Isaacs and IBMA nominees Volume Five. Top regional bands will entertain on three stages performing a variety of music including country, gospel, bluegrass and classic rock and rhythm & blues.
The “Junior Showcase” for talented youth under age 21 and a vocalist competition for singers of any age will be ongoing.
The weekend is full of entertainment sure to please everyone in the family, young and old. “The Bluegrass & Chili Festival has become a family tradition. I have heard stories where multiple generations meet up at the annual event, making it a family reunion of sorts,” explains Davis. So, bring your appetite, and get ready for a sizzling good time!

Claremore Police Department and Claremore Fire Department teams participate in the festival’s Outhouse Race. First place wins $500 for the charity of the winner’s choice.

Headliners scheduled to appear this year include a host of award winners including festival fan favorites Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, and Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out.

Top regional bands will entertain on three stages performing a variety of music including country, gospel, bluegrass and classic rock and rhythm & blues.

Tulsa Chevy Classics Club is hosting this sizzling car show with 50 class specifications. Awards will be presented to the top three cars in each class.