April heats up in Belton!
When April hits the upstate, the temperatures warm, but it gets even hotter when folks start tasting the entries of the biggest and best chili competition around!Yes, it’s time for the 15th Annual SC State Chili Cook-off Championship, on Saturday, April 12, in beautiful downtown Belton. Everyone is invited to attend!
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!
Cooks in the professional arena can compete in four categories: traditional red, homestyle, chili verde, and veggie chili. Amateur cooks can compete in People’s Choice and Amateur Homestyle competitions.
Great cash prizes and distinctive trophies are awarded to winners. And best of all, professional winners qualify for the ICS World Championship, held each year in Myrtle Beach, SC!
Or, if you just love a good chili, no matter what kind, come buy a tasting tickets (5 tickets for $5) or a tasting 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 (if you come between the peak hours of 11:00 and 2:00 and look for the “chili available” signs) and you get to vote for your favorite. Proceeds benefit six non-profits in our town who provide quality of life and emergency services for our community.
In addition to the great chili, entertainment and fun abounds, as you view extraordinary artwork at the Belton Center for the Arts, watch superb collegiate players compete at Belton Tennis Center, experience the history of our area at the Belton Area Museum Association, appreciate restored and cherished vintage and antique autos at the Chili-Pepper Cruise In, or dance to the melodic sounds of The Combo Kings and other local talent. There are children’s activities, great crafters and food vendors, and fun for the entire family.
For more information or to apply to be a sponsor, crafter, food vendor, or professional or amateur competitor, please visit our website at www.scchilicookoff.com.
Come on down to Belton and light those fires!