Here are the Rules:
1. Entry fee of $30 to all cookers who wish to participate in winning one of the prizes listed below.
2. FREE COOKERS can enter, but will not be eligible to win any prize.
3. Competitors may enter more than one type of chili.
4. All competitors are responsible for purchasing their own ingredients.
5. All competitors are asked to prepare a minimum of FOUR GALLONS OF CHILI (estimated 15 lbs. meat) per entry.
6. Competitors are responsible for all of their cooking utensils, condiments, etc. Serving cups, plastic utensils, paper towels, serving gloves and hand sanitizers furnished by event staff.
7. All competitors MUST supply their own tent or canopy.
8. Serving chili begins at 11 AM (2/24/24)
9. Competitors need to arrive by 9 AM to set up in their designated areas and must be ready by 11 AM. Anyone who arrives after 9:30 AM will not be allowed to enter the competition & registration fee will not be refunded.
10. Chili can be prepared before arriving at the event. Be prepared to add your final touches and warm up your chili for serving.
11. There will be no electricity, you will need to have gas stoves/burners, sterno fuel, solar, wind power....
12. You are encouraged to decorate your designated area to personify your chili style.
13. We encourage good-spirited trash-talking with other competitors.
14. We reserve the right to make changes or alterations to the rules prior to the event. You will be made aware of these changes before 2/24/24.
Chili Cook-Off Awards:
1st Place: $1,000 | Runner Up: $500 | Fan Favorite: $250 | Best Themed: $50 Chamber Check
Cook-Off History:
The original producer of this community event was Accent Signs and Printing (ASAP) of Marion in 2010. The event was turned over to the Historic Marion Revitalization Association in 2016 to continue this event which is much anticipated by many non-profit organizations in the County.
In 2018, we had a record number of people registered and serving chili. We had over 20 chili cookers in attendance. The true success of the Chili Cook Off is measured by the smiles, the positive attitudes and the requests for more similar community events in the future. In conjunction with the Swamp Fox Chili Cook-off, HMRA will hold its Olde Towne Marion Cornhole Tournament, a popular addition to an already successful weekend of Gen. Francis Marion (also know as the Swamp Fox) Days activities.
Ticket sales are generated by local non-profit organizations. Local non-profits are given the opportunity to sell tickets for three weeks prior to the event and are allowed to keep 50% of the ticket sales for use in their organization. In past years, Marion County organizations participated and collectively earned over $8,000. This money stayed in the county and directly benefits the participating organizations.
Our generous sponsors are the ones responsible for funding the logistics of this ever expanding event and allowing the ticket sales to benefit the local organizations.
How to Enter In The Chili-Cook-Off:
First things first, you have to fill out the registration form. The form will inquire about the type of equipment you will be using, how you heard about the competition, the heat level of your chili, and a few questions about how to get in touch with you! There will also be a registration fee at the end of completion of the form that must be paid in order to compete for any of the prize money.
Read the Rules, Fill Out Entry Form, Perfect Your Chili
How To Get Tickets: $10 each
1. Members of the following organizations:
* Marion Presbyterian Church Youth Group
* Marion Methodist Church Youth Group
* Union Baptist Church
2. HMRA Board member
3. At the gate on February 24, 2024
How To Get Here:
Main Street Commons
229 N. Main Street
Marion, SC 29571