26th Annual Chili Cook Off in Five Points
October 24, 2012
COLUMBIA, SC – October 24, 2012 – On Saturday, November 3, 2012, the Five Points Association (FPA) will be hosting the 26th Annual Chili Cook Off in Five Points. Patrons will have the chance to watch teams battle it out to see who has the best chili in Columbia. All proceeds from the event will go to Camp Kemo and The Hope Center, including sales from chili, beer and merchandise.
The Chili Cook Off will be from 11am to 6pm on the 2100 block of Greene Street in Five Points and is free and open to the public.
Patrons can taste and enjoy over 50 unique chili varieties with lots of fixings for a donation and free, live entertainment for the entire family.
Anyone can sign up to compete in the Chili Cook Off on FPA’s website until Friday, October 26, 2012. Chilis will be tried by a panel of 10 judges and will be categorized by: Overall Best Chili (everyone automatically entered), Best American Hero’s Chili (Fire House, Police and Armed Forces), Best Vegetarian, Best Edible Hot Chili, Best Bar/Restaurant, Best Exotic and Overall Best Set-Up.
The Cook Off has more to offer than chili, so patrons are encouraged to bring more than their appetite. Live music will be played on the main stage from 12pm to 6pm and children are welcome all day long in the Little Pepper’s Place for a day of family fun. In conjunction with the Chili Cook Off, the Five Points retailers will be offering sales and specials all day long during the Annual Fall Sidewalk Sale.
Due to the Chili Cook Off’s success over the last 25 years, the signature Five Points event has recently changed ownership and is now being hosted by the Five Points Association. Group Therapy, the original organizers, saw an opportunity to help the festival grow into its full potential by having the FPA take over the event. The FPA looks forward to bringing new opportunity to the Chili Cook Off and helping it become an even better contributor to the community and the local charities it supports.
The Chili Cook Off would not be possible without the generous support of businesses across the midlands, including: Budweiser of Columbia, Palmetto Pepper Potions, Merchants Foodservice, WACH Fox, Old Timey Meat Market, Rosewood Market, Free Times, Rock 93.5, Fox 102 and Liquid Assets.
NEW THIS YEAR!
Little Peppers Place
Free and open to all ages. Bring the whole family out to enjoy a bounce house, mega slide, Ladder 9 fire truck, face painting and games on Pavillion Street.
Enhanced Music Line-up
Enjoy the free musical stylings of a higher caliber of entertainment and several of Columbia’s best bands:
12:00 pm – 12:45pm – Simplified Acoustic
1:00 pm – 1:40 pm – The Rival Brothers
2:00 pm – 2:40 pm – The Capital City Playboys
3:00 pm – 3:40 pm – The Casual Kings
4:00 pm – 5:45 pm – Tootie and the Jones
Enhanced Chef Experience
Making it easier and even more enjoyable, the chefs now have increased offerings, including: VIP lounge, The Lazy Chef Package, partnership with Rosewood Market, partnership with Old Timey Meat Market and partnership with Merchants Foodservice.
Official Hot Sauce of the 26th Annual Chili Cook Off – Palmetto Pepper Potions
Locally owned and operated, the official hot sauce will be available at each chili tent for sampling and for sale at the Palmetto Pepper Potions tent.
Official Chili Cook Off Merchandise
Available on the FPA’s website for pre-sale or day-of at the merchandise tent, including: ladies v-neck, men’s crew neck, aprons and koozies. All proceeds from the sale of merchandise go to Camp Kemo and The Hope Center.
Official Chili Cook Off Program
Patrons will never miss out on a chili again and are encouraged to grab an event program on the way in. Program includes festival map, chefs, entertainment line-up, sidewalk sale information and more.
This year’s Chili Cook Off is dedicated in memory of Jeanne Schmidt, director of Camp Kemo, who recently passed away. Every Camp Kemo child and family became part of Jeanne’s family, and you could tell that through her continued commitment to them. She touched many lives and changed lives because of her warmth and compassion, not just at Camp KEMO, but throughout the year. Although we’ve lost Jeanne, her impact is far-reaching and her legacy lives on.
About Camp Kemo
A cherished program for young patients and their siblings since 1980, Camp Kemo is a weeklong summer camp for patients with cancer, ages 5-18, and their siblings. Staffed by Palmetto Health physicians, nurses and volunteers, Camp Kemo allows campers to swim, boat, hike and be kids. The fun times at Camp Kemo lay important groundwork for future treatment as participants learn to trust, respect and relate to one another. Camp Kemo is completely funded by community donations.
About The Hope Center
The Hope Center’s mission is to assist people with disabilities in meeting their needs, pursuing their dreams and achieving their goals; and to minimize the occurrence and reduce severity of disabilities through prevention. As a result of strong partnerships within the community, the Hope Center is able to provide high quality service and maintain a positive quality of life for the people their center supports. The Hope Center values the health, safety and well-being of each person while honoring and respecting their dignity.
About the Five Points Association
The Five Points Association is a non-profit organization whose principle task is ensuring that Five Points stays an integral and important part of the city of Columbia. The Association has accomplished and endured many major infrastructure, development and beautification projects over the years. The Association hosts annual events that continue to grow with each year and entertain thousands of people within the city of Columbia, as well as the state of South Carolina.
For more information or to register to be a chef, please go to www.fivepointscolumbia.com.
