The Upstate Chili Cook-off, the only event in South Carolina endorsed by the International Chili Society,* was held Saturday, April 17, 2010, on Main Street in downtown Belton, SC. It is our hope that Belton, Anderson County, and all of Upstate South Carolina will benefit from the economic impact of this family-friendly event that brought people together to celebrate all that is good about small-town life, spring in the South, civic pride, and really great chili! Watch for details here in the next few days about this years' event and for details about the 2011 event.

Think you make the best chili in Belton? In Upstate South Carolina? In the U.S.? In the world? Register here to compete in next year's event as an official ICS competitor or as a People's Choice competitor for your chance at fame, fortune, more than $1000 in cash prizes, and trophies to impress all your friends. You can also compete for a chance to win Best Booth or Best Showmanship for your exemplary display of attitude and style.

Our inaugural cook-off event helped a number of nonprofit organizations in the Upstate through direct receipt of proceeds, the opportunity to use the event as a fundraiser, and the opportunity to bring awareness to their cause and share information with event attendees. We hope for an even bigger event in 2011 and encourage local churches and nonprofits to start planning now to  be a part of this community-wide event by selling baked goods, jellies and jams, cook books, and similar items. We also encourage local businesses and artisans to start making plans to reserve a booth to showcase their wares or make people aware of their services.

We appreciate your support of the first Upstate Chili Cook-off and look forward to seeing you next April!