Country music star Keith Anderson to headline concert

CELINA-This Saturday is set to be a jam-packed day of food, fun, and entertainment, as multiple events will be held here in town.

The day will begin with the 15th Annual Clay County Fall Fest Chili Cook-Off on the courthouse square and end with country music star Keith Anderson headlining the Bullwhip on the River Rodeo & Concert honoring special needs at the fairgrounds.

In between, a Jeep Show will also be held, along with an exciting rodeo put on by Clay County’s own James Atchley.

Rodeo & Concert

The rodeo and concert will begin on the banks of the Cumberland River with Bullwhip’s exciting rodeo showcasing a mix of competition and exhibition, including bronc riding, roping, mutton busting, trick riding, barrel racing, bull riding, and more.

Following the rodeo, Cherokee Upton and the Tribal Elders will kick off the concert, before Anderson takes the stage with his fan-favorite hits to close out the night.

Gates open at 1 p.m., rodeo slack begins at 3 p.m., the main rodeo kicks off at 5 p.m., and the concert will follow.

Food trucks and concessions will be available, and tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.

For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bullwhip-on-the-river-rodeo-concert-tickets-1544803963239.

Cook-off, Jeep Show

The Chili Cook-off will allow chili-lovers to sample a wide variety of recipes, and to cast a vote for their favorite.

The first place chili chef will win $500 and bragging rights to the best chili in the county, while attendees will choose a people’s choice.

Contestant entry forms are available at the senior citizen’s center, where detailed competition guidelines and information can be obtained.

“Traditional Red Chili” will be the fare of the day, defined by the competition rules as “any kind of meat or combination of meat, cooked with various spices and other ingredients.”  Official judges will cast their vote based on “good flavor, texture, consistency, blend of spices and color,” the rules say.

Tasting kits will be sold, allowing samplers to get a taste from all the cook-off contestants.

The kit includes a commemorative bowl, spoon, napkin and voting ballot.  Sampling will begin after contestants have turned in their chili for judging at 11:30 a.m. and winners will be announced at 1 p.m.

The Jeep Show will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a $20 entry fee.  Personalized ducks will be available for purchase and those interested in entering should contact Greg Davis at 931-267-8082.

Activities in addition to the cook-off and Jeep Show held downtown will include live music, a best decorated booth competition, and more.  Food and concessions will also be available.

This event is coordinated by the Clay County Senior Center with proceeds to benefit local seniors.

For additional information call the Senior Citizen Center at 931-243-3467.