This is a fun, quirky, outdoor party offering good food, drink and friends at a “come as you are” event.  This event has developed a loyal following across a diverse audience base.  There seems to be an engaging atmosphere that you can’t quite put your finger on — a unique camaraderie exists amid the tounge in cheek, yet somehow serious, competition between teams who vie for the judges’ and public’s approval in hopes of taking home a trophy for their particular chili recipe. While the sponsors and their teams focus on winning the chili contest, the more than 10,000 attendees from across the Birmingham area wander amid decorated booths enjoying Good People beer, tasting chili and listening to live music at one of the year’s first outdoor events.

The Exceptional Foundation, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, is where individuals with special needs enjoy social and recreational activities when at age 21 they can no longer find opportunities for social interaction within the school system and for school-age individuals during after school and summer hours. Proceeds from fundraising efforts provide three-fourths of the funds needed to ensure that The Exceptional Foundation participants are able to gather daily for social activities, take field trips and compete in sports.