(PUEBLO) — Thursday morning, Sept. 18, the Pueblo Chili & Salsa Showdown kicked off, and FOX21’s Kenny Johnson and Meteorologist Nic Temple were the first two people to taste test the green chilis in the blind taste competition.

The competition is a culmination of non-commercial and commercial green chili, red chili, and salsa from participants from throughout Colorado! Non-commercial is for the public, and commercial is for licensed restaurants and/or food trucks.

On average, there are over 150 entrees, and the panel of judges will blind taste all of the entrees that range from mild to extremely spicy.

The award ceremony will take place on Friday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m. at the El Pueblo History Museum Stage.

The actual Pueblo Chile & Frijoles festival kicks off Friday. Here are the official times:

Friday: 3 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 12 a.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Everything is happening in Downtown Historic Pueblo and Union Avenue.