Palmetto Brothers Dispensary’s Inaugural Chili Cook Off and Live Music

There will be a lot going on in downtown Laurens this weekend with the annual Squealin’ on the Square, but this year there is something new!

Laurens County is gearing up for a culinary showdown that promises to excite taste buds. The inaugural Chili Cook Off at Palmetto Brothers Dispensary is set to take place this Saturday.

“If you want to taste the epitome of chili greatness, this is the place to be,” says Wes Meetze, owner of Palmetto Brothers Dispensary. “Our cook-off is all about celebrating good food, good music, and having a good time with the community.”

The event will feature a chili competition where local cooks will go head to head, vying for the prestigious title of the best chili in Laurens County. Attendees will have the opportunity to savor free samples of these chili creations and cast a vote for their favorite.

Do you think you’ve got the secret sauce for the best chili in Laurens County? Here’s how you can enter the cook off:

• All entries should arrive at Palmetto Brothers on September 30 between 4:00 and 4:30 pm (entries will not be accepted after 4:30pm)
• You decide what kind of chili you make; hot and spicy, home style, white bean, chicken, sausage, etc.
• Contestants must list all meats in your chili on the index card provided and tape it in front of the crockpot of your chili. Also include any special ingredients or potential allergens, i.e., peanuts, wheat, etc.
• Upon entry, contestants will be assigned a number only known to the contestant and the cook-off organizers.
• Any discussion of chili ownership (indicating which one is yours) will result in disqualification.
• All entries must be pre-cooked and brought to the cook-off in a crockpot with serving spoon or ladle. Serving utensils will not be provided.
• Judging will begin at 5:00 pm and end at 8:00 pm.
• All leftover chili, crockpots, and utensils must be cleared no later than 9:00 pm

“If you think you’ve had the best chili before, think again. Our contenders have what it takes to wow your taste buds,” Meetze added. “We’ve got some secret ingredients and a whole lot of passion simmering in those pots.”

So how will the judging work?

Tasting cups, plastic spoons, napkins, and a score card will be provided to attendees to vote on their favorite chili. The winner of the contest will be determined by the highest total score from the score cards. Scoring will be done using the 1-5 scale with 5 being the best. In the event of a tie or dispute, Chili Cook Off organizers will settle.

But the festivities don’t stop at chili. Attendees can also enjoy a live concert by the local bluegrass favorites, Rhythm Section. The band will take the stage at 7:00 and play until 9:00 pm.

College football fans, there’s something for you too. Sports enthusiasts will be be able to watch college football action on the TV screens.

So, mark your calendar and gather your appetite for a Saturday of chili, tunes, and touchdowns. The Palmetto Brothers Dispensary’s Chili Cook Off and Live Concert with Rhythm Section promises to be a fun time. See you there this Saturday!