Taylorville is home to a number of sanctioned chili cook-off events throughout the year, and will now officially be known as the Chili Capital of the State of Illinois. The Illinois House passed on Thursday House Resolution 35 that gives Taylorville the title.

State Representative Avery Bourne (R-Raymond) spoke on the house floor to present the resolution to house members, and invited her fellow lawmakers to Chilifest to get a taste of Taylorville Chili for themselves.

As a part of HR 35, chili world champions Tom Calvert and Bob Hall, both Taylorville residents, are mentioned. Officials from Taylorville who were in attendance also brought chili for all House members to try.