The 14th Annual SC State Chili Cook-off Championship will be held Saturday, Apr. 20 in Belton.
Whether you want to sample the amazing culinary talents of champion chili cooks from around the nation or you try your hand at competing yourself, the SC State Chili Cook off Championship is waiting for you!
“We have 31 professional cooks signed up right now and are looking for more amateur competitors in the individual and organizational categories,” said co-chairman Gene Jameson. “It’s always fun to see this side of the competition heat up.”
Cooks in the professional arena can compete in four categories: traditional red, homestyle, chili verde, and veggie chili. Amateur cooks, both individual and organizations, can compete in People’s Choice and Amateur Homestyle competitions.
Great cash prizes are awarded to winners and professional winners qualify for the International Chili Society World Championship!
If you just love a good chili, no matter what kind, come buy a tasting ticket packet (5 tickets for $5) or band (unlimited tastes for $20) 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 1 am and 2 pm and look for the balloons to cast your vote for your favorite.
Proceeds from the band and ticket sales benefit six 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, American Legion Post #51, and the Belton Masonic Lodge #130-Christmas for Kids program.
“If you would like to be a judge, we are always looking for people with great taste buds,” added Jameson.
“Come to the depot when you get to the festival and sign up for judging times and categories.”
Judging begins at 11 and occurs 4 other times until 3 pm. Judges are given a quick tutorial prior to their judging experience. Several county celebrities have already been solicited to serve as judges.
Visitors can view extraordinary artwork at the Belton Center for the Arts and experience the history of the area at the Belton Area Museum Association. There are activities for all ages, flower and plant sales by BAMA/Belton and Honea Path FFA groups, great crafters and food vendors, and fun for the entire family.
A cruise-in from 9:30 am – 1:30 pm will be featured on 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.
Miss SC Jada Samuel is slated to make an appearance along with local beauties who will be serving as official ambassadors of the event. Live entertainment by The Combo Kings, who play all types of music, will be offered throughout the day to get you up and dancing in the street.
All these activities are brought to the public thanks to our many sponsors.
“We truly appreciate Deals Galore for being this year’s Presenting Habanero Sponsor this year,” stated committee member Sam Gilmer. “Check out their deals at their newly updated location in Williamston on Beaverdam Road.”
Prior to the festival on Friday, April 19, 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.
“Judges are needed for this day too,” said committee co-chair Eleanor Dorn.
For more information or to apply to be a professional or amateur competitor, please visit our website at www.scchilicookoff.com.
