Family-owned Chile Hedz has set the seventh annual New Mexico Chile Festival for Sept. 6 and 7 on the corner of Fourth and Front Streets in Old Town Temecula.

More than 10,000 pounds of fresh Hatch chile peppers will be brought in from New Mexico and roasted throughout the weekend. Pre-orders for this year’s harvest are due by Friday; after this date, it is first come first serve on the day of the event, and supplies do sell out.

Fresh chile powder and fresh strung chile ristras will also be available. The event will also include food vendors, hot sauce vendors, children’s activities and performances by local musicians.

Store owners John and Raquel Anthony have sponsored this Southwestern tradition every fall for the last seven years. John Anthony, of New Mexican heritage, is proud to bring Hatch chiles to his hometown. “My grandfather Marcello Trujillo would be thrilled to know that our chile has made such a lasting impression in California,” he said in a news release.

The store is at 28636 Old Town Front St., Suite 108A, Temecula.

Information: 951-699-6750 or chilehedz@yahoo.com

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