Taylorville is being recognized as the “Chili Capital of Illinois”. The Illinois Chamber of Commerce along with Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton as well as Christian County Chairman Paul Schmitz and many other members of the community gathered in the Christian County Square on Thursday as State Representative Avery Bourne (R-Raymond) announced her filing and sponsorship of House Resolution 1357, which would designate Taylorville as the Chili Capital of Illinois. Representative Bourne spoke with Regional Radio News and said how she was excited to push for the resolution to pass in the Illinois House.

The International Chili Society has already issued a proclamation designating Taylorville as the Chili Capital of the State, with further proclamations coming from Christian County, and the City of Taylorville itself. Taylorville Chamber CEO Patty Hornbuckle said that the added attention to Taylorville with these proclamations can only do good things for the city.

Christian County along with Taylorville has a growing history with Chili Cookoffs. County Board Chairman Paul Schmitz said that it’s been a dedicated group of people making it happen.

Taylorville hosts five International Chili Society sanctioned chili cook offs each year, and is home to several world champion chili cook off champions. The next chili cook off in Taylorville will be the Taylorville Chillifest, that will be held on the square on October First and Second. For forms on Chillifest, visit the Chillifest website at chillifest.info, or stop by the Chamber office on the second floor of the US Bank Building on the south side of the Taylorville Square.