COLUMBIA - The Columbia Chamber of Commerce is staging the 30th annual Fiddle & Bango contest plus chili cook-off on Saturday Oct. 6.

The name “Bango” was kept after a misprint on an event T-shirt in 1983.

The event is open to musicians of all ages and musical genres.

Fiddle & Bango is an all-day music competition held at the gazebo in Columbia State Historic Park.  Musicians from near and far come to compete for a grand prize of a gold nugget.

Cash prizes are awarded for first and second places in each category and a gift certificate for third place winners.

Categories include: banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, vocal, and miscellaneous.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 10:30 a.m.

Competition begins at 10:30 a.m. and lasts until around 4:30 p.m.

The entry fee is $12 per person per category. 

The music judging will be based on a point system for rhythm, musicianship, and technique.

Contestants are required to have at least two songs to perform.

In addition to a full day of music, spectators can participate in Columbia’s chili cook-off. Local Columbia eateries will compete against each other for bragging rights to the “Best Chili in Columbia”.  

Chili connoisseurs can take part in the tasting and voting by purchasing 

a $6 “tasting pass” that includes a souvenir tin cup, spoon, a map to the chili hot spots, and a tear-off ballot for voting.

At noon the music competition breaks for about one hour to allow everyone to take part in the chili cook-off festivities.

Music and chili fans alike should remember to bring lawn chairs, hats, and sunscreen.

Special commemorative T-shirts will be available for purchase.