More than 40 vendors prepare chili dishes for the annual Chili Cook-off
After modifying last year’s event, thousands of locals are gearing up for the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce’s 37th annual Chili Cook-Off, sponsored by Bud Light and Serra Honda O’Fallon, in Downtown Belleville on October 8 & 9 from 11:00am to 10:30pm both days. What began with just a few vendors on one block of East Main Street in downtown Belleville is now one of Belleville’s largest events celebrating the culinary creations from over 40 vendors, representing individuals, local organizations and area businesses.
Many come to enjoy the great chili, entertainment and other festivities, but most don’t realize that the Chili Cook-off is the biggest fundraiser of the year for many non-profit or¬ganizations that take part, including the host, the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce. Many of the ven¬dors participating at the Chili Cook-off each year are either a non-profit organization or a business raising money for a charity. 100% of the money visitors spend at each booth goes to that vendor. In addition, attendees are invited to vote in the People’s Choice contest for their favorite chili with $1 per vote. 100% of the proceeds are donated to the Community Interfaith Food Pantry in Belleville.
Vendors submit their chili to be judged by local culinary experts on Friday afternoon, sponsored by 1-800-BoardUp, and the winners are announced live on the Main Stage at 5pm on Saturday. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment throughout the weekend featuring performances on Friday by Fanfare at noon and Top of the World at 6:00pm, sponsored by Cardinal Buick GMC. The lineup on Saturday includes Rachel Daschaine taking the stage at noon, the USAF Band of Mid-America – Starlifter at 3:00pm, and the festival wraps up with Social Remedy at 6:00pm.
The weekend will also include the 7th Annual Chili Chase 5k Run/Walk and Kids Pepper Dash Saturday morning, October 12 at 9:00am. It is a family-friendly race and all are welcome to attend. It is $25 to register, and you can do this up to race day.
Please join us for the highly anticipated 37th annual Chili Cook-Off! For more information about vendors, menus, full entertainment schedule or to register for the Chili Chase 5k and to see all of our sponsors, please visit
www.bellevillechili.com or get live updates by following us on Facebook @BellevilleChiliCookoff.
