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