10th Annual Caroline Street Arts and Blues Fest

The annual Caroline Street Arts & Blues Fest and Chili Cook-Off is set for 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 6, downtown.

Now in its 10th year, the family-friendly, free festival includes children’s activities, the works of local artists lining the streets, a chili competition among the neighborhood’s restaurants and, of course, live music from regional blues musicians. The Children’s Museum of Saratoga will take over The Saratogian’s parking lot to host the children’s activities along with the donated Price Chopper Hopper.

Over the years, the festival has expanded to include more artist booths and downtown businesses. The heart of the event is centered along Caroline Street from Broadway to Henry Street, but now restaurants and bars along Putnam and Maple streets plan to participate as well.

This year’s musical headliner will be Murali Coryell, son of jazz/fusion trailblazer Larry Coryell. While the younger Coryell comes with a bona fide pedigree, he’s his own man and has been touring internationally in support of his latest CD, “Sugar Lips.”

After Coryell’s set winds down at around 4:30 p.m., last year’s headliner, the Chris O’Leary band, is scheduled to return for an evening blues celebration in Gaffney’s garden. O’Leary is the former frontman for Levon Helms’ Barnburners and is touring in support of his debut CD, “Mr. Used to Be.”

In addition to the Coryell and O’Leary bands, participating groups will include the Reminders, L.B. Walker, George Fletcher’s Bourbon Renewal, Bluesology and others.

Chili Cook-Off registrants will include D’Andrea’s, Gaffney’s, the Ice House, Saratoga City Tavern, Esperanto and 30 Caroline. Each year, the trophy for best chili is dedicated to the late Kevin Doyle, a familiar Caroline Street fixture whose family operates Smokin’ Sam’s Cigar Shop on Caroline Street.

Sponsors of this event include The Saratogian, The Children’s Museum of Saratoga, Saratoga Arts, DeCrescente Distributors and Heineken, The Caroline Street Association and the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.