Who Likes to Cook Chili?

For the past twelve years, Historic Columbia Foundation has hosted the Palladium Society's Chili Cook-Off. The event has grown in size each year. I remember when we started in the Seibels House on Richland Street. The event was pretty intimate but was nice for the 75-100 or so groups of family and friends who attended. Well today, we can boasts that the event brings in more than 500 people! We are now hosting it at the Ellison Building on the SC State Fairgrounds in Columbia.

This year's event is on Saturday, February 27. We will have celebrity judges - someone from one of Columbia's local TV station's has already committed, music by Gaslight Street band from Charleston, and a variety of meat based, vegetarian, and heart healthy chili recipes.

We are seeking anyone interested in entering. In the past we have had families, community organizations, friends, college buddies, and businesses enter. At $15, the cost is pretty reasonable to enter. If you are just interested in attending, admission in advance is $20 for non-members of Historic Columbia and $15 for members. At the door, admission sis $25 for non-members and $20 for members (it really does pay to become of member of Historic Columbia; some events are even free!).

This is a fun, family-friendly event. We have beverages for the children and adults. In addition, the admission gets you the beverages, chili samples, and our house chili. I always enjoy the sides each contestant provides.

Please visit www.HistoricColumbia.org or call 803.252.7742 ext. 29 for more information on this event and others. I promise you will love it!