[Columbia, SC] - Riverbanks Botanical Garden will turn into Columbia's Latin Quarter on Sunday, August 28, from 11am to 6pm with a spicy fiesta celebrating the chili pepper.

"Throughout the summer, Riverbanks' horticulturists have been growing a beautiful variety of chili peppers with everything coming to fruition in late August," said Riverbanks' director of horticulture, Melodie Scott-Leach. "We just couldn't help but think that these plants were too pretty to simply look at," hence an all-day schedule of sizzling summer events celebrating hot peppers.

¡Sabor!, a Latin Jazz band, will be playing in the amphitheater throughout the afternoon, offering visitors the chance to soak in some sultry sounds. Learn to dance the Salsa with free lessons in the Garden's Visitor Center.

Salsa dancing might be spicy, but the other type of salsa will also be out in full-force... salsa dip, that is. Guests can dip into some zesty salsa by entering their own homemade salsa in the Homemade Salsa Tasting Competition or sample unique salsas from Riverbanks' own caterer.

"Without straying too far from the chili pepper itself, we'll be incorporating all things hot into the Fiesta," Scott-Leach said. Horticulturists will be on hand to speak with guests about growing their own chili peppers at home and offering tips on how to decorate with chili peppers - including how-to info on making chili pepper wreaths and garlands that really pop. As an added treat, Clemson Extension's Libby Hoyle will be offering lessons on cooking and preserving peppers.

For chili pepper fanatics who are already burning up over all-things-pepper, there'll be opportunities to shop for chili-inspired fare, pepper seeds to start personal gardens and red hot pots perfect for growing a prize-winning chili pepper.

Have kids that aren't so into the spicy side of life? Inspire them with a hot craft item they can take home. Riverbanks Garden's ultimate celebration of the chili pepper is free with Zoo and Garden admission.