Chili Cook-Off

Due to lack of interest, this event has been cancelled.

Chili Cook Off F.A.Q.s

• When: Saturday, October 14, 2023
• Time: Doors open to public 12:45 PM – 3 PM
• Get your Registration Form Chili Registration
• Interested in being a vendor? Vendor Interest Form

Competitor Questions

• What does it cost to participate? $100
• What is included in the registration fee? 2 pounds of beef to use in your chili. Palate cleansers (saltines in between tastings), tables, bowls, spoons, and napkins.
• When should I arrive to set up? Set up begins at 11AM on Saturday, 10/14.
• Besides chili, what do I need to bring? Extension cord and table covering.
• What are the parameters on how the chili is prepared? All chili must be “red” and ground beef provided by HCC must be used.
• How will my chili be judged? There will be a panel of 5 judges that rate the chili in the following six categories: heat, smell, thickness, color, flavor, and aftertaste. The panel’s judging results will determine our 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place cash prizes.

People’s Choice will be based on public tasting and voting by ticket.

• When will prizes be announced? Judges will receive their chili samples at 12PM and cash prizes will be announced at 2PM.
  People’s Choice winner will be announced at 2:45PM.
• What are the prizes for winners? Cash prizes will be dependent on the number of contestants. 80% of the registration fees will go toward prizes, with 50% of that going to 1^st place, and the remaining 50% being split 70/30 for 2^nd and 3^rd place respectively.
  People’s Choice winner will receive a special prize.
• When do I get my beef? Beef pick-up is at the Hallett Center on Thursday, October 12^th. Pick-up either 7AM-9AM or 5PM-7PM.

Spectator Questions

• What time? Doors open at 12:45PM and tasting begins at 1PM
• What is the cost? Entry fee allows you taste all chilis, includes palate cleansers and gets you a ticket to vote for People’s Choice. Cost is as follows:
  • Ages 13+: $5
  • Ages 6-12: $2
  • Ages 5 & Under: FREE
• What if I don’t plan to taste chili? Entrance fee is for everyone, even they don’t plan to taste chili.
• What else will be available at the event? Water, milk, beer, ice cream and other vendor items will be available for sale.