15th Annual SC State Chili Cook-off Championship Saturday, April 12

What could be more exciting than a beautiful spring day spent sampling the world’s best chili? You can enjoy this and more if you join us on Saturday, April 12, in Belton for the 15^th Annual SC State Chili Cook-off Championship, brought to you by Dodge Industrial.

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 over 20 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 compete in four categories: traditional red, homestyle, chili verde, and veggie. Amateur cooks, both individual and organizations, can compete in People’s Choice and Amateur Homestyle competitions.

Great cash prizes will be 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, 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.  Tastings will begin at 11:30.  Come between the peak hours of 11:30 and 2 and look for signs and 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, the Belton Masonic Lodge #130-Christmas for Kids program. and American Legion Post 51 boys & Girls State Program.

“If you would like to be a judge, we are always looking for people with great taste buds,” added Jameson.

“Email scchilicookoff@gmail.com to offer your services and we will get back with you about times and categories to judge,” he added.

In addition to the great chili, entertainment and fun abounds, as visitors can enjoy music by the Combo Kings and view extraordinary artwork at the Belton Center for the Arts and experience the history of our area at the Belton Area Museum and South Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame. There are activities for all ages, 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.

The chili tasting will end at 4:00, or when the chili runs out.  The event will conclude with an awards ceremony at 4:30.

All these activities are brought to the public thanks to our many sponsors.

“We truly appreciate Dodge Industrial for being this year’s  Presenting Habanero sponsor,” stated committee member Sam Gilmer.  “They are a big part of our community.”

Additional sponsors include Charleston Hot Pepper Sponsors (the City of Belton HTAX, Anderson County Council-Greg Elgin, Anderson County ATAX, the Combo Kings), Cayenne Sponsors (Mayor Eleanor and Richard Dorn, Clinkscales Chevrolet, Jameson Woodworks, Leadec, Maynard’s Home Furnishings, iheart Radio, Darby Metalworks, and Advanced Security Systems), Jalapeno Sponsors (Palmetto Insurance-Keys Agency, First Quality, Edward Jones, McCoy Ford, Anderson County School District II, Sam Gilmer Photography, Anderson Magazine, Electric City News), and Poblano Sponsors (Belton Tire Company, The Commercial Bank, Belton Metal Company, Timken, Earth Materials Grading, News Chronicle, South State Bank, Representative Lee Gilreath, Timken, Direct Auto, Anderson Radiology, Window Depot of the Upstate, BRAMSS Rainbow of Pelzer and Leaf Filter).

There are two pre-festival events planned in addition to the weekend competition.  On Saturday, April 6, the Chili Pepper Pageant is being held at Watkins Community Center in Honea Path. Contestants from newborn to college age are being sought.  Prizes and recognitions are planned for six winner categories and in each of the 7 age divisions.  The $70 registration fee is due by April 10.    Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Melissa Brannon at electriccityqueens@gmail.com  for more information.

On Friday, April 11, the BAMA Chili Pepper Golf Tourney will be held at Saluda Valley Country Club with a barbecue lunch and putting contest at 12:00 and 1:00 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 participate in the Kegs-N- Eggs competition at the Belton Recreation Center on Blue Ridge Avenue from 8:00 AM – 3 PM.  Additional judges are needed for this event.  Spectators are welcome, but no sampling is available.

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…Saturday, April 12, for competing, eating, and enjoying down-home hospitality at the SC State Chili Cook-off Championship!  Come on down to Belton and light those fires!