News Summary
The 11th annual Lexington County Chili Cookoff took place on March 2 at the Icehouse Amphitheater, attracting a large crowd despite a postponed date. Over 30 teams showcased diverse chili recipes, engaging attendees who voted for their favorites. Proceeds from the event benefited the Town of Lexington Police Foundation and other local charities, with a goal of surpassing $5,000 raised last year. The family-friendly event featured live music, food, and community spirit, promising excitement for next year’s cookoff.
Lexington Celebrates Chili at Annual Cookoff
Last Saturday, March 2, the 11th annual Lexington County Chili Cookoff drew a cheerful crowd at the Icehouse Amphitheater right in downtown Lexington, S.C. Despite being originally scheduled for February 16, which had to be postponed due to some uncooperative weather, the event was well worth the wait. From noon to 5 p.m., chili lovers came together to share their love for the spicy dish.
A Flavorful Day for All
With over 30 enthusiastic teams lining up to compete, attendees were in for a wild taste adventure! The variety was impressive, featuring everything from traditional chili made with hearty meat, beans, tomatoes, and onions to imaginative twists that included sausage and chicken. Each team showcased their unique recipes, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the event. Those brave enough to sample the various offerings had their work cut out for them as they filled their bowls with a myriad of chili styles.
Voting was also a big part of the fun! Attendees got to act as judges, casting their votes for their favorite chili. Who doesn’t love the thrill of helping to determine which team would take home the coveted title? It created an energetic buzz throughout the amphitheater, with folks sharing their opinions on which recipes had reignited their taste buds.
A Heartfelt Cause
Beyond just a competition, the cookoff also served a noble cause. Proceeds from the event went to benefit the Town of Lexington Police Foundation and several other charitable organizations located throughout Lexington County. This year, organizers were aiming to surpass last year’s impressive total of over $5,000 raised for local charities. Community spirit was in the air, and attendees could feel the warmth of contributing to a greater cause with each delicious bite.
Family Fun for Everyone
In terms of accessibility, it was a great day for families, with ticket prices set at $15 for adults and $5 for children aged 12 and under, making it an affordable outing. Attendees who held tickets from the original date were also pleased to find that their tickets were still valid, making it easy for everyone to join the fun without missing a beat. As the event happily unfolded, ticket prices were also slated to increase to $20 for adults on the day itself, so those who arrived early certainly got the best deal!
Musical Entertainment to Spice Things Up
No festival is complete without some foot-tapping tunes, and the Chili Cookoff was no exception! The day was jazzed up by live musical entertainment provided by Freeway Music School and Under the Sun, adding a festive layer to the atmosphere. Attendees relaxed, enjoyed the music, and savored spoonfuls of chili to their hearts’ content.
Roundup of the Day
As the event began to wind down, the spirit of community and love for chili filled the air. With so many new and experienced chili chefs working hard to impress, it’s no wonder that friendly camaraderie flourished among cooking teams and attendees alike. The day was a delightful celebration of flavors and togetherness, showcasing not just the best chili but the heart of Lexington County.
Overall, this year’s Chili Cookoff was yet another wonderful success story, and with so much excitement, anticipation for next year’s event is already heating up! In a town that knows how to mix fun with flavor, the Chili Cookoff might just be the highlight of the year!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington’s Roads Take a Hit: Closures Due to Maintenance and Flooding
Dense Fog Advisory Impacts South Carolina Residents
Flood Warning Issued for Greenwood and Newberry Counties
Lexington County Chili Cookoff Rescheduled Due to Severe Weather
Additional Resources
- Cola Daily: Lexington County Chili Cookoff Rescheduled
- WACH: Lexington County Chili Cook-Off to Raise Funds
- Lexington Chronicle: Blowfish Chili Cook-Off Postponed
- Wikipedia: General Information
- Lexington Chronicle: Town of Irmo to Host Chili Cookoff
- Encyclopedia Britannica: General Knowledge
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
