The awarding of accolades to the region's best commercial chili and salsa makers highlighted Day 2 of the Chile and Frijoles Festival presented by Loaf 'N Jug.

Sponsored by Black Hills Energy, Saturday's Chili and Salsa Showdown attracted a bevy of local restaurants, eateries and caterers eager to earn the right to be called the best of the fest while also pocketing $500.

In the salsa category, a panel of judges declared Rockee's to be tops, followed by Desert Hawk Golf Course in second place and Cinfully Delicious in third.

As for red chili, Taco Casa was judged the best, ahead of second-place finisher Good Life Food Truck and in third, Cinfully Delicious.

In the green chili category, Romero's Cafe and Catering, no stranger to the top slot, was selected number one, with Rockee's and Taco Casa filling out the second- and third-place slots, respectively. An honorable mention went to Sancho's Bar & Grill.

Today, the festival's finale, will see the best non-commercial chili and salsa creators announced, along with the winner of the ever-fiery jalapeno eating contest.

Despite Saturday's weather being more chilly than hot due to a prevalent overcast -- with a brief rainfall coming around 3 p.m. -- the festival didn't seem to lose a beat.

And that included a squadron of wakeboarders, who continued to strut their stuff as part of the RoMoBoCo Rail Jam demonstration inside the chilly channel of the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo.

From C Street to South Main Street, with Union Avenue the main artery of action, there were plenty of patrons.

Just a little bit more bundled up than usual.

Which was welcome news to Rod Slyhoff, president and CEO of the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, organizer of the annual peppery fete.

"Even with the cool weather and rain, we've been really busy," Slyhoff said. "A lot of people, and people seem to be enjoying themselves.

"So as long as people are happy, I'm happy."

Down on Grand Avenue across from the Vail Hotel, the heart of "chile row," business was brisk even as a few raindrops continued to fall.

"Business has been great," said Chris Thompson, one of a crew of 15 men and women handling the heavy traffic at the DiTimaso Farms stand. "The rain hasn't hurt us so far. People are out getting Pueblo Chile and enjoying it."

Thompson said he and his colleagues hand out samples to whet visitors' appetite for the peppers, with fantastic results.

"You just can't beat Pueblo Chile, especially when it's homegrown and fire roasted," Thompson added. "We expect to sell about 1,400 bushels of peppers -- two semi trailers full."

jpompia@chieftain.com