Recently Taylorville received recognition from the International Chili Society as the “Chili Capital of Illinois”. State Representative Avery Bourne has also started a push in Springfield to have the capital officially recognize Taylorville’s chili greatness by filing and sponsoring House Resolution 1357 which would officially designate Taylorville as the state’s chili capital. Bourne said how Taylorville Chamber of Commerce CEO Patty Hornbuckle brought the issue to her attention, it was all hands on deck to check the facts and draft the resolution. Bourne also said how a House Resolution is different from a bill, stating how a Resolution only needs a majority vote in the state house to pass.

Bourne said that so far there is some support from the house for the Resolution, but knows that it will be a tough battle in the Capital City where many feel Springfield should have the state chili capital honors.

The chili cook-offs bring roughly 10,000 people to the area each year, which means more business for the community. Bourne and the various members of the community who helped with the resolution hope that it will help bring more attention to the area and its chili cook-offs in the future.