No ingredient may be pre-cooked in any way prior to the commencement of the official cook off. The only exceptions are: canned/bottled tomatoes, tomato sauce, peppers, pepper sauce, beverages, broth and grinding and/or mixing spices. Meat must be in commercially sealed packing RAW and UNTREATED. MEAT MAY NOT BE PRE-COOKED, in any manner. All other ingredients if purchased chopped, must be in original containers or chopped/prepared during the preparation period on-site. You will otherwise be penalized. Raw ingredients that are not purchased the day of the contest must be stored overnight in commercially certified refrigeration. Contact the Chili Cook-off Coordinator if you need overnight refrigeration.
You will be provided your space number 7 days before the event.
A designated area is established for each chili contestant. A 10’ x 10’ space is available. Check-in time is 6:00-7:30am at Front & Logan Street. See the Chili Cook-off Coordinator prior to cooking.
Contestants are responsible for supplying: Cooking utensils, propane stove, tables, chairs, etc., and should be prepared to provide a fire extinguisher and washing station consisting of 5 gallons of warm water (warm water supplied by the event) with a spigot, wastewater catch bucket, soap and towels, as required by the health department. Health Department regulations indicate that food preparation must be done in a fully screened in tent.
Juried Judging will be conducted by a panel of judges. You will be provided a quart container to turn in your chili. The chili coordinator or his/her representative will pick up your container for judging at 12:00 pm.
People’s Choice Judging will be done by the public, starting at noon, inside 45 Main Street where tables will be set-up for serving. The chili must be ready by 12:00 pm and moved inside 45 Main St. and must be kept hot. Servers will be provided. Tasting kits will be sold with tickets for tasting, a napkin, a spoon and a ballot for voting. All contestants will be given an official Taste Ticket bucket to use for the collection of tasting tickets. The public will return their completed ballot for People’s Choice Chili which will be tabulated by our event coordinator.
Please, do not bring outside alcohol to the event, as it will be available for purchase.
Have fun entertaining your friends and neighbors during the event!
Cheers to our Chili and Rib Cookers! You are the heart & soul of this event