Joshua Pablo-Gonzalez, 44, roasts green chile, Sept. 26, 2026 outside the Chaves County Courthouse during the Chile & Cheese Fest. Pablo-Gonzalez is an employee with Graves Farm and Garden, which sold ristras at the festival.
Alex Ross | Roswell Tribune
The aroma of roasting chiles drifted across the Chaves County Courthouse lawn Saturday, Sept. 26 as people gathered for the 2026 Chile Cheese Festival.
Fresh green chile was roasted on the spot at the festival, which also included local vendors, live performances and an ice cream eating contest.
MainStreet Roswell has hosted the annual event since 1993 to celebrate the county’s agricultural heritage, said Peggy Sesky, the organization’s vice president. Local agricultural staples include the Leprino Food Company’s cheese factory, numerous dairies, pecan orchards and, of course, chiles.
Nineteen vendors, three food trucks and a DJ playing music were at the festival at 2 p.m.
“We have a pecan pie cook off this afternoon and we do a green chile stew cook off,” Sesky said. Other activities included a jalapeño-eating contest.
Check out some of the Roswell Tribune’s favorite moments from the festival.
A group of children dig in during an ice cream eating contest, Sept. 26, 2026 at the Chile Cheese Festival in Roswell. Alex Ross | Roswell TribuneA festival goer admires the ristas sold by Graves Farm and Garden, Saturday, Sept. 26 at the Chile Cheese Festival. Alex Ross | Roswell TribuneFrom the left: Roswell residents Josie Orgavem, Bengie Pamatian and Emma S. dance during the Chile Cheese Fest. Alex Ross | Roswell Tribune The scene on the Chaves County Courthouse lawn Saturday, Sept. 26 during the Chili Cheese Festival in downtown Roswell. Main Street Roswell, a local nonprofit, hosts the event each year to highlight the area’s agricultural roots and economy. The festival lasted from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Alex Ross | Roswell TribuneAnthony Uranga, left, and his brother, Joey Uranga, who is also known as DJ Uniq, stand together on the steps of the Chaves County Courthouse during the Chilie Cheese Festival.Alex Ross | Roswell TribuneMatthias Solis, 11, front, and Fernando Jara, 8, competing in a second round of ice cream-eating, tied in this year’s contest. The co-champions each won $20.Alex Ross | Roswell TribuneVictor Rodriguez, 52, emerged as the champion in the adult ice cream-eating contest for a third consecutive year. Rodriguez competed against four other adults, and like in 2025 ate 11 ice creams in one minute and 30 seconds, to win $20. In 2024, he won by eating eight. Rodriguez said he plans to compete next year to defend his title. Alex Ross | Roswell Tribune
