Chili Cookoff Entry Rules and Process

Who can enter the Cookoff?

Anyone who lives in Del Ray – or owns / manages a business in Del Ray – can enter the Cookoff! Individual entry or team entries are welcome, but the team max is 3 people.

What do I need to bring? 

  • Contestants must bring their own ingredients, equipment, utensils, and fuel. Power will be supplied, but extension cords and power strips are the responsibility of the contestants. Contestants are encouraged to bring propane or electric cook tops, if needed. 

  • Chili recipes can be made with or without meat, with or without beans. Meat may be beef, pork, lamb, chicken or turkey – but please, no wild meats. “Vegetarian” entries = No meat. 

  • Each contestant must cook a minimum of four quarts of competition chili, prepared prior to the event, in order for the chili to be judged.  All chili must be cooked to completion prior to the event; chili should be brought “ready to eat.” Entrants are encouraged to bring their own condiments. All contestants are responsible for the maintenance of chili’s proper temperature for serving. 

  • Please have a list of the all ingredients used for allergy purposes on hand. If peanuts or peanut oil is used, please display a warning sign. You may not use canned or store-bought chili / mixes, but pre-cooked beans are okay to use.

  • DRCA will provide spoons and cups for serving to the attendees and judges.

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Where and when do I set up? 

The Commonwealth Academy gymnasium will have tables set up and available for you to use.  The size of each table is 6’ wide x 3’ deep. Table location will be on a first-come basis. The event starts at 5pm; you can start setting up at 4pm. You may decorate your booth any way that you would like!

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How will the chili be judged? ​

  • There will be a panel of judges; they will be looking for taste, aroma, texture, aftertaste, and heat of chili. Heat of chili will not necessarily determine the winner, so feel free to make your chili as mild or hot as you’d like.

  • There will be three prize categories awarded: 1st place Meat; 1st Place Vegetarian; and 1st place People’s Choice. The People’s Choice Award will be decided by attendees of the event, not the judges. 

  • Each contestant or team will be given a Contestant Number. Your number will be visible to the judges and public. Public voters each get 1 vote to be dropped into a ballet box to order to award the People’s Choice Award. 

  • Winners will be announced at 7:30pm. 

 

How do I register?