It has become one of the most anticipated events for Aggies – several teams are formed, tons of beer is purchased and a large amount of money is raised – and on Saturday, April 1, these Aggies and many Bearkats demonstrated their commitment to the community and legendary Country music artists. Robert Earl Keen headlined the event, backed by Canadian Ragweed and Pat Green, and all in attendance, enjoyed the music, merchandise and memories the event offered.
Perhaps, some Snook residents were irritated by the traffic these loyal Chilifest attendees caused, but Chilifest “has assembled an untarnished resume of success,” and “Park and Ride” offered bus riders a coupon good towards merchandise for taking advantage of their service. According to their Web site, “Chilifest Incorporated was formed to professionally manage and organize” an event that is able to raise money for local charities, including: Brazos Valley Boys and Girls Club, Keep Burleson County Beautiful and the Snook Volunteer Fire Department. Despite heavy rains in 2002, and overcrowded port-a-potties this year, Chilifest continues to attract a record-breaking crowd. There was an estimated 50,000 people this year.
Many of Chilifest’s most-devoted attendees slept “under the stars and tunes” on Friday night. Adam Scott, a former Aggie, drove in from Dallas to attend the event for the fourth time in a row and slept in his sleeping bag, eager for more music and beer on Saturday morning. His team brought couches and bbq grills to Snook’s hot spot and sported their blue t-shirts with pride. Scott said many people think of Chilifest as just an event, but for him, it’s about “time with my fellow Aggies and a way to help local charities.”