CHARITY CHILI COOKOFF, 2008

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On this page: Chili Cookoff Description Cookoff Rules

Sunday, March 2, 2008
SBPA Peoples' Choice Chili Cook-0ff

by Karyn Furry, February, 2008

What is a people’s choice chili cook-off?
In a nutshell, great cooks enter a contest, they make chili, people eat the chili and then the people vote on the best chili.

The really cool part of the deal is that the SBPA free spay/neuter clinic benefits. SBPA sells tickets to the public to taste the chili and judge which is best. We charge 10 pesos per taste. We also sell beer, soda, bottled water and dessert for 20 pesos each. All the profits go to the clinic.

We also rent space to local vendors like hot dog, ice cream, and arts & crafts so people can shop while they're tasting. PLUS, we have a raffle to raise even more funds to help the critters - local merchants donate the items raffled. Profits from these activities also go to the clinic.

People’s choice chili is judged only by the people. There are no other judges. The chili with the most votes becomes the winner. If you have the most chili and friends at the cook-off, you might get the most votes.

There will also be a best booth award. Each chili team is strongly encouraged to decorate their booth to reflect your team's name in your booth décor. Some examples: Wild West Chili cooks might dress in western costumes; Great American Chili cooks might dress in red, white and blue. Chili names also add to the fun. Andy’s Afterburner Chili, Carla’s Toenail Curling Chili or Sue’s Screaming Sensation Chili. The point is to be a little crazy and have fun.

Final tip: Chili cooks are known to stretch the truth, many will tell you what their secret ingredients are but I don’t think they really use rattlesnake meat, gun powder or road kill. Whiskey? Well ... maybe.

What do you need to bring?
Each team will be given a 10' x 10' space; the rest is up to you. Cooks are responsible to bring their own tables, chairs, cooking utensils, cook stoves (Propane or Sterno) and booth decorations.

We will provide “official” serving cups and spoons but each cook needs to provide a tablespoon to measure out their chili into the tasting cups. The more support people you bring, the more activity around your booth; the better showmanship you demonstrate, the more votes you are likely to get from the judges (PEOPLE).

When is set-up time, cooking time, and when can we leave?
You may begin setting up your booth at 9:00 AM. There will be a short cooks' meeting at 11:30 where the Chili Chief will go over the guidelines and general information. Each team should send one representative to this meeting. The chili is expected to be ready to serve when YOU decide it is ready, but the voting will only be between 12:00 noon and 2:00 PM, so be sure you have enough chili to go around. If you run out of chili you can’t get the votes! No tasting by the public before noon.

How much chili, and what kind of judging?
We recommend a minimum of 3 gallons be available for the tasting. Attendees will cast their votes for their favorite chili and for the best booth by depositing beans into “voting containers” that we will supply. The crowd will vote by depositing beans into your container. Whoever gets the most beans in each category wins.

1st place winner for best chili and 1st place winner for best booth decoration will receive award certificates and bragging rights.

Remember, the crowd is your only judge! You can be as creative as you want in attracting the crowd and getting votes in both categories.

SBPA Chili Cook-Off Official Rules

by Karyn Furry, January, 2008

The Particulars

Pre-Registration is NOW.
Email SBPA AC to learn how to register.

On March 2nd...
Set-up time 9:00am.
Tasting begins at high noon.
Voting will be from noon until 2:00 PM.
Winners will be announced at 3:00 PM on the main stage.

Best Chili Rules

A minimum of 3 gallons is recommended.
Only edible ingredients may be used.
Chili must be prepared in a sanitary manner.
You must be willing to taste your own chili.
Chili must be kept at 140 degrees and covered with a lid when not serving (no glass lids allowed).

Best Booth Rules

You must be respectful of others, no offensive displays, excessive noise or music.
You must not interfere with other contestants' displays.
You may use battery powered amplification but do not interfere with the musicians performing on stage.

More Rules and Regulations

The Contestants will be responsible for furnishing their own cooking means, (Propane or Sterno). No wood or charcoal burning. There is no electricity available.
The SBPA will furnish spoons, tasting cups and beans to be used for public judging. Contestants may furnish spoons and cups for other servings.
The contestants need to furnish two containers for the judges to deposit the beans. One for best chili and one for best booth. Decorating them is up to you and your imagination.
The Contestants will need to furnish tables, chairs or other supplies. All supplies and equipment are the responsibility of the contestants. We encourage you to have your own fire extinguisher for safety reasons.
Certificates will be awarded in the following categories: Peoples Choice Best Tasting and Peoples Choice Best Booth Décor.
Contestants must preregister in order to enter contest. Email SBPA AC to learn how.
The winning contestant will be determined by the amount of beans deposited in their container. The decision of the Judges (people) is final.
Contestants are encouraged to bring protection from the elements; canopy, umbrellas, etc.
No alcohol is to be served by any contestant or at any contestant booth.
Contestants are encouraged, not required, to name their chili and decorate their cooking area to best reflect that name.