Organizing a Chili Cook-Off

Whether it’s fundraising, just getting your neighbors together, or training for a national Chili Cook-Off competition, why not take the steps to organize a gathering in your area? A Chili Cook-Off could be just what you and your family needs to get into the spirit of the upcoming winter season, and is a great way to entertain guests and neighbors for a weekend.

Chili cook offs are held in every state around the country, and the event is also popular around the world. In Texas, the Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI) operates an organization with complete membership procedures, scheduled events, and training programs for participants. For your own chili cook off, you will need a little organization and planning, but it’s not hard to pull it together!

After collecting a head count and invitation list of your guests and participants, the next step in organizing a chili cook off is to arrange the location. Choose from a local park, your own back yard, or another venue that is easy to access. You’ll need to arrange an area for both the judges and the audience, so choose a suitable size of the location, as well as the date of the event. Check with your local town or city’s community events calendar for any major ‘clashes,’ and proceed accordingly. The more people in attendance, the more fun and exciting the event can be. This is why a contest or cook off can also be a perfect opportunity for fundraising. If you choose something outdoors, be sure to arrange for a weather-friendly alternative!

Create a prize structure or specialty item for the champion. Will it be cash, a medal, or a trophy? Can you send a picture of the winner to the local paper? Will there be an opportunity to feature the winner’s recipe in a magazine or other publication? Research some creative alternatives; if nothing else, your winner will have the bragging rights to winning your contest!