UPDATE: The second annual Midwest Hops and Hot Sauce Festival is heating up today at Wilder Park in Aurora, Illinois, attracting a record crowd of hot sauce and craft beer enthusiasts. With 50 brewers and hot sauce makers on site, the festival promises a fiery blend of flavors and excitement.
Local hot sauce aficionado Roy Rumaner expressed his passion for heat, stating, “On the heat scale from one to ten, I’m about a nine.” The festival, which began just hours ago, features live music, food trucks, and contests, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
Event organizer Chris Ginder, owner of Gindo’s Spice of Life Hot Sauce in nearby St. Charles, confirmed that this year’s attendance is expected to soar past last year’s 600 participants. “We’re hoping to double or maybe triple that this year,” he said as the festival kicked off at noon.
With 30 Midwest breweries and 20 hot sauce vendors, the festival highlights the burgeoning craft culture. Ginder noted, “We see craft brewers and hot sauce guys coexisting well together,” emphasizing the shared passion for quality and flavor.
Visitors can partake in contests to vote for their favorite beer and hot sauce, making this festival not just about consumption but also community engagement. Attendee Joseph Salamone remarked, “I like both beer and hot sauce. I feel these two things go together. I mean, why not?”
The excitement is palpable, with attendees like Nick Palos showcasing their passion for hot sauce. “I’ve got about 30 bottles at home,” he said, advocating for hot sauce on everything from tacos to, surprisingly, Hershey bars.
As the festival unfolds, attendees are encouraged to share their experiences on social media, amplifying the event’s reach. The atmosphere is charged with the anticipation of tasting unique brews and fiery sauces, making this an unmissable summer highlight.
The Midwest Hops and Hot Sauce Festival is not just a celebration of flavor; it’s a showcase of local talent and culinary creativity. With the event still in full swing, there’s no better time to join in on the excitement and discover new favorites.
Stay tuned for more updates as the day progresses and share your favorite moments from the festival using #AuroraHotSauceFest.
