The 13th Annual SC State Chili Cook-off Championship will be held in Belton this Saturday, Apr. 22.
Visitors can sample amazing culinary talents of champion chili cooks from around the nation and enjoy other fun activities.
In addition to the great chili, entertainment and fun abounds, as visitors can view extraordinary artwork at the Belton Center for the Arts and experience the history of our area at the Belton Area Museum Association. There are activities for all ages, flower and plant sales by BHP FFA, great crafters and food vendors, and fun for the entire family.
A cruise-in from 9:30 am – 1:30 pm will be featured down North Main Street. Everyone who is an auto aficionado is invited to participate and the event will show off all types of sports cars and vintage vehicles. For more information, contact Steve Lingerfelt at steve.lingerfelt@charter.com or 864-303-6444.
OneBlood will be onsite from 10 am – 5 pm taking donations. Everyone who donates will receive a gift card and signature t-shirt. Pre-registration can be done at their website or just walk in the day of with your ID.
Miss SC Jill Dudley is slated to make an appearance along with our local beauties who will be serving as official ambassadors of the event. And for your entertainment, The Combo Kings will take the stage and play all types of music throughout the day that will get you up and dancing in the street.
Cooks in the professional arena will compete in four categories: traditional red, homestyle, chili verde, and salsa. Amateur cooks, both individual and organizations, will compete in People’s Choice and Amateur Homestyle competitions.
Cash prizes and distinctive trophies are awarded to winners.
If you just love a good chili, no matter what kind, visitors can buy a tasting ticket packet (5 tickets for $5) or band (unlimited tastes for $15) so you can sample the best chili around. With your tickets or band, you can expect the chance to sample from among at least 30 varied chili recipes. Come between the peak hours of 11:30 and 2 and look for the balloons and cast your vote for your favorite.
Proceeds from the band and ticket sales benefit five non-profits in our town who provide quality of life and emergency services for our community including the Belton Alliance, the Belton Area Museum Association, the Belton Center for the Arts, the Belton Interfaith Ministries Association, and the Belton Masonic Lodge #130-Christmas for Kids program.
On Friday, April 21, the BAMA Chili Pepper Golf Tourney will be held at Saluda Valley Country Club with a 1:30 pm shotgun start. Limited to 15 teams, this event offers tons of great prizes to winners in several categories as well as gifts for all golfers. For more information or to register to play, contact Abigail Burden at 864-338-7400 or by email at beltonmuseum@bellsouth.net.
The day after the festival, professional cooks will be participating in the Kegs-N- Eggs competition at the Belton Recreation Center on Blue Ridge Avenue on Sunday from 8:30 AM – 2 PM. Spectators are welcome, but no sampling is available.
