Coushatta/Red River Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the first Red River Glows Thursday October 26. This new venture will include 5 hot air balloons, one tethered balloon for rides, a pumpkin shine, a chili cooking contest, a costume contest, and a treat trot.

Located at the parish fairgrounds, gates will open at 5:30pm , and the balloon glow will begin at dusk. Single-person tickets are $2.00, and families with up to 5 children are $8.00.

The Chili Cook-Off is open for anyone to enter ($10) or purchase tickets ($2) to sample/vote for winners. Bragging rights and trophies will be involved. To enter just fill out this form and pay $10. Then show up at the fairgrounds with at least 2 gallons of your best chili on October 26 at 5pm. Participants should bring a table (can be decorated) and chili already heated. No electricity is available. Trophies will be presented at 6:45pm. Chili must be made with traditional ingredients: meat, beans, tomatoes, peppers and spices. List all ingredients for public view and display the name of person who made the chili. 

Treats of all kinds are up for grabs in a cake walk style Treat Trot. Walk to music, if your number is called you win the treat of your choice. Donations of any treat or cash/check are accepted. Monetary donations should be dropped off at Red River Industries by October 24 at 2pm and treat donations on October 26 by 2pm. Cost is $2 to participate in each trot. Please call 932.6520 for more information.

Children ages 0-12 years of age may enter the Costume Contest. Judging is at 6pm. Trophies will be given for the following categories: funniest, most artistic, best, most colorful, scariest, most creative. Family friendly costumes please.

Pumpkins for the Pumpkin Shine can be carved, painted or decorated. Pumpkins will be displayed for all to see so make sure names are visible. They should be dropped off at the fairgrounds by 3pm October 26. 

Tethered hot air balloon rides will be available for $20 per person. 

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