photo by flickr user stu_spivack

Update Nov. 1st: Photos of the 2011 event have been posted by Coastal Observer and Gregory Letts. Check them out. 

 Update October 17th: Anecdotal reports sound like a good time was had by all.

Myrtle Beach Restaurant News has published a list of the winners in the cooking competition. Read it all here.

First Report: The 12th Annual Lip-Rippin’ Chilympics Chili Cook-Off , benefiting the Grand Strand Surfrider Foundation, will be held on Sunday, October 16th, from noon to 6:00 p.m. at Spuds Waterfront Dining in Murrells Inlet.

This annual chili competition will feature categories such as Best Overall, Best Restaurant, People’s Choice, Most Original, Best Theme, Best Use of South Carolina Ingredients, and Hottest Chili.  Samples will be available for $1 each. 

Entertainment includes performances by Danielle Howle, Sawgrass, The Noseriders, Octopus Jones, Pur Cult, and Ten Toes Up.  There will be food, soft drinks, face painting, and inflatables for the kids, as well as displays from local environmental non-profits, businesses, and artists for the whole family.

Cash prizes go to all winners and will be awarded to all first and second place entries in each category.  In addition, there will be one Best Overall and one Best Restaurant.  This year there will also be a special competition featuring previous winners, requiring them prepare chili with one secret main ingredient.

All proceeds from the Lip-Rippin’ Chilympics Chili Cook-Off will be used for projects of the Grand Strand Surfrider Foundation, an all-volunteer, 501 c 3 non-profit serving the Grand Strand since 1998. All donations are tax-deductible.

For more information about competing or attending, contact Bruxanne Hein at (843) 333-2034, bruxanne@yahoo.com or check the Surfrider Foundation web site.  Who knows.  You might just see a team of chili chefs there from your favorite local news website.  Admission is free and this event is open to the public.