Bowl of Chili with corn bread next to it
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Spice, Jeeps and good times await at the Kiwanis Club of Hilton Head Island Chili Cook-Off

Rev up your appetite

It’s that time of year again — the weather is cooling, the smell of savory spices is in the air, and the Lowcountry’s best cooks are heating up their outdoor stoves for one of Hilton Head Island’s most beloved traditions: the annual Kiwanis Club of Hilton Head Island Chili Cook-Off. Mark your calendars for Oct. 12, when Lowcountry Celebration Park will come alive with mouth-watering chili, cold drinks and a stunning display of Jeeps from across the East Coast.

Orchid Paulmeier - Chili Cookoff
Orchid Paulmeier and her team at One Hot Mama’s have long reigned over the professional category, with numerous victories under their belt. Last year Orchid’s legendary brisket burnt-end chili once again proved unbeatable, claiming top honors in both professional categories.

A spicy showdown

At the heart of the event, of course, is the chili cook-off. Talented cooks — both seasoned professionals and enthusiastic amateurs — will go head-to-head, vying for first, second and third place in professional and amateur categories. What makes this competition even more special is that the first-place winners in each category earn cash prize donations to the youth charity of their choice.

One of the fan favorites returning this year is Bernard Burton, Ryan Wise and the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island. Their team has racked up many awards over the years, thanks to their unique take on chili and the collaborative spirit they bring to the competition. As Wise explains, their secret to great chili isn’t just about the ingredients — it’s about teamwork and love. “The kids at the Boys & Girls Club know that the best chili comes from collaboration, creativity and a bit of fun,” Wise said. Their famous recipe includes a mix of black beans, cannelloni beans, corn and Rotel tomatoes, all seasoned with a blend of cumin, chili powder and ranch dressing mix. The chili is finished with precooked chicken breast for that extra hearty touch.

The Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island
The Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island is a perennial favorite in the People’s Choice category, thanks to their unique recipe featuring a hearty mix of beans, corn, chicken and Rotel tomatoes, seasoned with cumin, chili powder and ranch dressing mix.

Jim Hewitt and his Hilton Head PSD team, the Red-Hot Chili Preppers, also will be heating things up this year. The team has been competing since 2017, and after several close calls, it finally broke through to win the amateur division last year. Known for its meat-heavy chili, which features brisket, ground beef, bacon, bison and steak, the team prides itself on using fresh ingredients and crafting a flavor-packed chili that’s as bold as it is delicious. “The more meat, the better,” Hewitt said. They whip up an impressive 7-8 gallons of chili each year, and it always sells out.

If you’re looking for a truly unique chili experience, don’t miss the tent from Giuseppi’s Pizza and Pasta, led by executive chef and partner, Jason Galizia. This year Galizia is bringing his A-game with a three-meat smoked chili, featuring beef grilled over oak, pork smoked over hickory and chicken smoked over mesquite. 

White chili chicken with beans, corn and spices close-up in a bowl. horizontal
Chili lovers can savor a variety of styles at the event, from the hearty, sweet-spiced Cincinnati-style chili, known for its use of cinnamon and chocolate, to the creamy, comforting white chili, typically made with chicken, white beans and a zesty blend of green chiles and spices.

Fun for the whole family

The event features a Kids Zone packed with fun activities for the little ones, making it a perfect day out for the whole family. The Kiwanis Grill Team will be on hand, serving up its legendary burgers and hot dogs for those who want to take a break from chili-tasting. And for the adults, there will be plenty of beverages available to wash down all that spicy goodness. 

A key aspect of this event is its focus on community. Each team brings its own flair to the competition, but everyone is there to support great causes and have a good time. As Hewitt puts it, “We truly love the interaction with the locals throughout the day and the trash-talking between some of the other teams, especially the firefighters.”

Jeep lover’s paradise
While the chili cook-off may be the main draw for food lovers, Jeep Island offers a fun experience for Jeep lovers. The showcase features Jeeps from across the East Coast, competing in a range of best-in-show contests. And the highlight? One lucky raffle winner will drive away in a brand-new Jeep!

Hilton Head Island Kiwanis Chili Cook-Off & Jeep Island 

When: Noon-3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12

Where: Lowcountry Celebration Park, Hilton Head Island

Details: Enjoy chili from over 25 local vendors competing in professional and amateur categories. The entry ticket is $10, with $1 tasting tickets sold on-site, or $30 for all you can eat. Admission is free for ages 10 and under. Purchase tickets at hiltonheadkiwanis.com. 

A bowl of delicious spicy hot chili con carne with ground beef, onion, tomato and red kidney beans.

2023 winners

Judged professional 

1. One Hot Mama’s 

2. British Open Pub

3. Charbar Co. 

Judged amateur 

1. Hilton Head PSD

2. Bluffton High School JROTC

3. Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island

Popular vote, professional

1. One Hot Mama’s

2. Giuseppi’s

3. Sonesta Resort

Popular vote, amateur

1. Boys & Girls Club of HHI

2. Hilton Head PSD

3. Amy Aurelio & Associates 

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