This is one of the top chili-cooking contests in the nation, and more than 400 teams come here on the third weekend in September, hoping to qualify for the international chili cookoff in Terlingua, Texas. Chili cooking involves a great deal of theater and some mystery ingredients. Anyone with a delicate constitution planing on sampling the contestants' offerings should pack some antacid. In addition to the theatrical antics of the cookoff participants, there is a carnival for children, a beauty pageant, a Harley-Davidson show and plenty of country music. The civic center is at Exit 201 on I-35, south of Austin.
Additional admission is charged for the beauty pageant and the musical shows.
May. Gillespie County Fair Fairgrounds, Texas Hwy. This is the oldest county fair in the state and is well worth a visit for a glimpse of a time when the county fair was an important date on the local calendar. The fair includes a traditional livestock show, handicrafts and home-baked goods, horse races, a carnival and dances in the evening. The fair takes place on the last weekend of September. Additional admission charges may be in place for other events.