Tony Rice plays Thurs. Sept. 4 at the Claremore, OK Bluegrass & Chili Festival. Photo by Thomas Stout.

For the past three decades, folks have been flocking to Claremore, Okla., for hot and spicy chili — and bluegrass.

Fans of both those American favorites are being beckoned back Sept. 4-6 for the 29th annual Bluegrass & Chili Festival on the grounds of the Claremore Expo Center. Besides a chili cook off with a $1,000 first-place prize, festival goers will find bluegrass music by national and regional artists — including several International Bluegrass Music Association award winners and 2008 nominees — on three stages.

The Thursday night line-up includes Mountain Heart, Tony Rice and a special reunion concert of Stonehorse. Friday’s line-up includes, 2007 IBMA Entertainers of the Year, The Grascals, plus the Kenny & Amanda Smith Band and Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out. Saturday headliners include Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, festival favorites Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and the Dan Tyminski Band.

Top regional acts on the three stages performing a variety of music including country, gospel, bluegrass and classic rock include: Heartland Xpress, Spring Street, Oklahoma Heartland, Rockin Acoustic Circus, Sixx Gunn Hill, Oklahoma Summer, Prarie Dawgs, Cross Current, Faded Glory, Honky Tonk Attitude, Charis Music Studio, Praise Band FUMC & Cedar Ridge and more. In addition to the free concerts, other musical entertainment highlights include The

Also featured at this year’s festival are the“Junior Showcase” presented by US Cellular and “The Best Country In The City Vocalist Competition” presented by Wal-Mart.

Junior stars can participate in the Junior Showcase a non-competitive showcase for those 21 and under with singing, instrumental or dancing talents. The showcase is designed to give talented youths stage exposure and experience.

Vocalists of any age may apply to participate in the “Best Country In The City” competition. Winner will be awarded a cash prize. Dancers will “kick up their heels” during the festivities. Country dancers and cloggers will offer dance exhibitions and audience participation.

New at the festival this year is the Mid-America Ranch Rodeo and trade show. Teams from actual working ranches from a four-state area will compete in several events for a top prize of $10,000. The rodeo begins at 6 p.m. each day.

The younger set can spend time at the festival at the Kiddie Korral, and big boys with fancy toys will line up for an open car show presented by McDonalds & The Claremore Optimist Club.

The International Chili Society Division winning cook will represent the Festival in the World Cook-off that boasts a $25,000 first prize and the Chili Appreciation Society International qualified contestants will earn travel money and prizes for the International Cook-off at Terlingua. The non-profit division is open to non-profits, schools, churches etc. ONG will award a $1,000 first prize. Open and corporate division teams will compete for awards and of course bragging rights! All teams will vie for booth decorations, showmanship and ham-manship honors. Festival attendees can also sample the award winning chili with an official taster kit!

The festival opens at 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, while Saturday festivities from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

For festival information and applications, people can contact: Bluegrass & Chili Festival, Claremore Chamber at 419 W. Will Rogers, Claremore, OK 74017. Hotel information, festival updates and a complete list of festival partners can be seen at: www.claremore.org or Claremore Convention & Visitors Bureau at www.visitclaremore.org. 918-341-8688 or 918-341-2818.