Ice cream event shows huge chile burger

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - A giant green chile cheeseburger is ready for unveiling at the New Mexico State Fair, and while it can't be eaten, the ice cream at the party can.

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture is inviting the public to an ice cream social Saturday when the department's newest promotional tool makes its first appearance.

The event begins at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Agriculture Building on the fairgrounds.  The ice cream social promoting New Mexico dairy and nut products begins at 2 p.m. and runs until 4 p.m. in the Agriculture building courtyard.

The oversized burger is made from mattress-type foam and is topped with onion, tomato, lettuce, cheese and green chile with all the ingredients including the meat representing New Mexico-grown products.

The burger was designed to give people food for thought, and NMDA plans to use it as a teaching tool, a spokesperson said.

Participants in Saturday's event also are being asked to help name the big burger.

The ice cream social includes a free cup of ice cream topped by New Mexico pecans, peanuts or pistachios.

NMDA Director-Secretary Jeff Witte is scheduled to be on hand to greet fairgoers and answer questions about NMDA's role in promoting the state's agricultural community and its products.