11th Annual Chili Cook-Off to Benefit Lupus

Official Rules

  • Contestants are asked to submit a $25 deposit to enter. His/her check will be returned at the event or may be placed in their tip jar. If he/she fails to attend the event, the $25 will be kept as a donation to the LFA Chapter.
  • Contestants should complete an “application” and submit it along with the deposit by Friday, March 1, 2013.
  • The chili should be prepared off-site and brought to the event in a container suitable for keeping the food warm; a crock-pot, roaster or warming pot is suggested. (Please bring a heavy-duty extension cord.)
  • Contestants should declare their meat ingredient and the “hotness” of his/her recipe using a scale of mild, medium, spicy, and hot.
  • Each contestant will be provided a table at which he/she will display and serve chili. The contestant should provide a suitable tablecloth and decorative items he/she may wish to bring to enhance the serving and presentation of his/her recipe. Contestants should provide condiments or additional spices that are normally served with his/her recipe. This may include onions, cheese, crackers, hot sauces etc. Bowls and spoons will be provided.
  • Each contestant should provide ample supply of his/her recipe to serve samples to guests. Approximately 200 people attend the event. You may want to put some aside for the judges. (Minimum of 5 quarts, maximum of 5 gallons is suggested)
  • Contestants will be allowed to set up his/her table beginning at 2:00 PM.A meeting will be held with contestants at 2:30 PM to go over the rules and answer any questions. Tasting will begin at 3 PM. Official judging will take place between 4:00 and 5:30 PM. The judges will come around to evaluate each contest’s chili and table. The winning contestants will be announced at 6 PM.
  • A special ceremony will be held at the beginning of the event to introduce each contestant.
  • Contestants may have one helper at his/her table to assist in any aspect of serving or presentation.
  • Awards will be presented upon the decision of the judges. The winning recipe will be included in Phil Potempa’s column in The Times newspaper.

Celebrity Judging Criteria

Cleanliness/Preparation:Up to 10 points

Display/Presentation:Up to 10 points

Flavor/Taste:Up to 10 points

Originality of Recipe:Up to 10 points

Originality of the Recipe Name:Up to 5 points (Example: Grandfather’s 5 Alarm Chili)

  • Contestants are asked to raise funds for lupus prior to the day of the event and are encouraged to have a tip jar displayed on their table during the competition. The contestant who raises the most funds for lupus will receive a special award presented by the LFA. Donations may be made via bank or credit card by contacting the LFA office at or by calling 800-948-8806. Be sure to specify that donation is in support of the Chili Cook-off, and contestant’s name.
  • Those attending the event will be given a ballot to vote for the People’s Choice Award.

Questions? Contact Carrie at (219) 650-5307, x7115 or .