Chili Cook-Off and HBAA Fish Fry this week in Anderson

It certainly feels like chili weather out there. But if you don’t feel like taking the time to chop tomatoes, brown ground beef, dice garlic, peppers and onions and cook chili for two, three and four hours, then let local Anderson restaurants do it for you.

This Tuesday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. a dozen or so restaurants will take to the streets of downtown Anderson for the 11th annual Anderson Downtown Chili Cook-Off. Piping hot samples of some of the best chili in town will be available during the evening when these restaurants fix up their signature chili recipes and ask tasters to vote them the best for 2009.

The Anderson Downtown Chili Cook-Off draws hundreds upon hundreds of people to Main Street between Market and Earle Streets each year around this time for a taste of chili. Last year, the Uptown Lounge took first place by the judges while Koo Koo’s Ice Cream Depot won third. Logan’s Roadhouse took home two prizes as they were voted second place by the judges and deemed the People’s Choice chili for 2008.

Who will win this year is anyone’s guess as the restaurants return to defend their title or vie to crack the top tier of chili dominance.

However, it is wise to show up early for the Anderson Chili Cook-Off and be prepared to stand in a few lines. The event is one of the most popular in downtown Anderson and entices throngs of people onto Main Street.

Each tent is asked to have enough chili to serve everyone and to serve out of two lines. Admission is $4 per person and attendees will receive their ballot upon payment. They are then asked to vote for their favorite and turn it in before the ballots are picked up and counted (usually around 7:30 p.m.)

And there will be live entertainment to be enjoyed while waiting in line for chili. Marvin King and the Blues Revival Band will perform throughout the event.

Soft drinks, water and beer will also be sold at the event.

For more information, visit www.mainstevents.com.

Before the Chili Cook-Off, get your fish on with the Home Builders Association of Anderson and their All U Can Eat Fish Fry going on Saturday.

From 5 to 9 p.m., the HBAA will hold a Fish Fry fundraiser featuring all you can eat fried fish, hush puppies, French fries, cole slaw, Brunswick Stew and beverage of your choice. The fish fry will be held at the Anderson County Farmer’s Market, Murray Avenue in Anderson.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door. There will also be live music.

To purchase tickets, go to the Home Builders Association office at 1924 McConnell Springs Road in Anderson or call 864.226.0347.