Chow down on chili and hear bluegrass Saturday

A day of bluegrass and chili is in store for this weekend.

The second Dixie Bluegrass Festival and Chili Cook-off will be held Saturday at the Battle of Aiken Re-enactment Park. The gates open at 9 a.m. with music starting with an open mic session from 10:30 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. Everyone is encouraged to bring their fiddle, harmonica, bagpipes or kazoo and join in the fun.

The lineup kicks off at noon and jams until after 6 p.m. with seven bluegrass bands set to play. The bands include The Palmetto Pickers, who will take the stage at noon, Tom Miller Project at 1 p.m., Convent Gospel Band at 2 p.m., The Lamb Family Bluegrass at 3 p.m., Darlene's Reflections of Bluegrass at 4 p.m., The Carolina Rebels at 5 p.m. and Flatland Express at 6 p.m.

The Good Ole Boy Chili Cook-off tasting begins at 3 p.m. and lasts until 6 p.m. Prizes will be awarded according to judge's choice and people's choice. Trophies are up for grabs for the top three finishers. Awards will be presented at 6 p.m.

Throughout the day, hayrides will be available along with arts and crafts vendors.

The event is conducted by a nonprofit organization, and 100 percent of the net proceeds raised from this event will go toward historic preservation efforts in South Carolina.

General admission is $6; general admission with a chili sampler is $10, and children's chili sampler admission is $4. Everyone is encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets.

For more information, visit www.dixiebluegrassfestival.com.

The Battle of Aiken Re-enactment Park is located at Powell Pond Road off Highway 19 near exit 18 from I-20.

Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com.

Want to Go?

What? Dixie Bluegrass Festival and Chili Cook-off

When? Saturday, gates open at 9 a.m.

Where? Battle of Aiken Reenactment Park