I Like It Spicy

28TH ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF IN FIVE POINTS THIS SATURDAY

By Liz Gunn || If any of you are still nursing an Election Day hangover, I have got a fun reminder that may help (temporarily) take your mind off things. It’s time for the 28^th Annual Five Points Chili Cook-Off. I look forward to this event with great anticipation year after year.

The thing I love most about this classic Columbia event is that they keep it simple. There is hot chili, there is cold beer and there is live music. The best part? Admission is FREE.

Chili enthusiasts can sample more than 50 different kinds of chili from local and regional participants. There is of course traditional chili, vegetarian options, Texas style chili (no beans) and unique non-traditional chili, which happens to be my favorite. The non-traditional category is always the winner in my book, because I’ve yet to try any traditional chili that tastes better than my own recipe. Hmm…maybe I should enter next year.

Each team sets up a tent in which to showcase their chili, and typically offer various toppings and hot sauces to try. I’m a hot sauce junkie, so I always cast at least one vote for the team with the best selection of spice. Some teams go all out with their decor, and some let the chili do all the talking. Some teams are comprised of trained chefs, while some teams are made up of people who just make a really damn good chili.

The Chili Cook-Off is another family friendly event, complete with bounce houses and face painting, that takes place in Five Points near the intersection of Greene and Pavillion (between Group Therapy and the Post Office.) Last year we took our two month old, although she didn’t try any chili. Maybe this time.

The event runs from noon to 7:00 p.m.Unlike last Saturday, it appears that the weather will be picture perfect – cool enough for chili, but warm enough to be outside. All proceeds from chili, beer and merchandise sales will go to Camp Kemo. Come enjoy a beautiful fall day in the city while supporting a worthy cause. Click here for the full music line-up and a map of the layout. Hope to see you there!

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Liz Gunn is a wife, mom, travel enthusiast, food snob, daydreamer and lifelong Gamecock fan. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, she lives in Columbia, S.C. with her husband and daughter.