The 15th Annual SC State Chili Cook-off Championship will be held Saturday, April 12, 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 28 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. If interested in competing, go to www.scchilicookoff.com for more information and instructions.
Amazing trophies and great cash prizes are awarded to winners. And best of all, professional winners qualify for the International Chili Society World Championship!
Or, if you just love a good chili, no matter what kind, you can buy a tasting ticket packet (5 tickets for $5) or band (unlimited tastes for $20) to 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 am and 2 pm and look for the signs 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,” said co-chair and Mayor of Belton Eleanor Dorn. “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.
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 and view the traveling Smithsonian exhibit SPARK! Places of Innovation. 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.
Sports enthusiasts can view the collegiate intramural play of tennis teams from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia at the first annual Belton Bash, played at the tennis courts from 9 am to 5 pm. For more information, contact Rex Maynard at rex@maynardshomefurnishings.com.
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.
The I Heart Radio van with personalities from their various brands will be onsite beginning at 8 am. In the meantime, Listen to WSSL, WESC, and WMYI the Lake for contests to win tasting bands.
The Chili Pepper Pageant will be held at Watkins Community Center on chili day. Any child aged toddlers to teens are encouraged to register before April 7 to compete for prizes, crowns, and recognition. Winners will be announced at the festival and those who won titles will be ambassadors for the event throughout the afternoon. Contact electriccityqueens@gmail.com for more information
And for your entertainment that day, The Combo Kings and local favorites will take the stage and play all types of music, from beach to classic rock, that will get you up and dancing in the street.
All these activities are brought to the public thanks to our many sponsors.
“We truly appreciate Dodge and Friends of the Chili Richard and Eleanor Dorn for being this year’s Presenting Habanero Sponsors,” stated committee member Sam Gilmer.
Prior to the festival on Friday, April 11, the BAMA Chili Pepper Golf Tourney will be held at Saluda Valley Country Club with a 12:30 PM putting contest and 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. Lunch and snacks and beverages are served throughout the day. For more information or to register to play, contact Abigail Burden at 864-338-7400 or by email at beltonmuseum@bellsouth.net.
Friday night, the first of a series of outdoor concerts will be held by the Belton Alliance. “Kick off to the Cook off” of Standpipe Sounds will feature Dave Mauldin, beginning at 6 PM. Food truck favorite A Taste of Freedom will be available to purchase scrumptious smash burgers with a variety of options.
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. This is a professional cooks’ only event and a second chance at securing a spot at the ICS World Championship.
For more information or to apply to be a professional or amateur competitor, please visit our website at www.scchilicookoff.com.
Mark your calendars now for competing, eating, and enjoying down-home hospitality at the SC
State Chili Cook-off Championship! Come on down to Belton and get fired up!
