Cameron, Texas, Herald
September 2, 1974
Chilympiad Set At San Marcos
Kids, as well as adults seem to always be out in a big way for parades and the Fifth Republic of Texas Chilympaid in San Marcos promises the largest parade ever in the history of this city’s state cook-off festivities.
Parade organizer Alan Greiner announced this week that about 140 entries have been logged in with more coming in everyday from throughout the state . This year’s colorful extravaganza has been changed from its regular date on Friday afternoon to Saturday morning, Sept, 21 beginning in downtown San Marcos at 9:30 a m. Greiner explained the reason for the change was because they have added an extra day to the zany activities of Chilympiad, beginning on Thursday instead of Friday. ‘‘Area high school bands and drill teams as well as colleges couldn’ t make it on the first day of Chilympiad because of school, thus we moved it to Saturday morning Saturday morning.” And, with the Saturday parade Greiner has received many more entries than before, and at a much earlier date.
Leading this year’s colorful motorcross and marching musicians through the state chili headquarters city are “El Jefe Primero” Nat Henderson and “FI Patron Grande”. Hob Thornton Henderson is known as one the founding fathers of Chilympiad and has defended the state’s tradition of fine chili in his writing for the Austin American. Thornton spends his weekdays heading a bank in San Marcos, while enjoying and working for chili and all its color during his leisure hours.
Close to 100,000 fun-seeking adventurers from every walk of life are expected to the four day event on Chilympiad s new site, the Hays County Civic Center complex. A sprawling 50-acre complex is awaiting chili heads to break in with a show- barn reserved to stage some of the hottest and largest dances every produced in Central Texas. Gaining the top billing for Chilympiad b four big nights of dancing, is progressive country and western singer composer Willie Nelson. He is slated for both Friday and Saturday evening dances during the cook off.
On Thursday evening, kicking off what promises to be the biggest chili fest ever is Darrell McCall and the Tennessee Travelers. Then rounding out the big name entertainment Sunday evening .