CHILI RULES

The Divine Mercy Men’s Club Chili Cook-Off is not sanctioned or sponsored by the Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI) or any other Chili cook-off organization.

a. Rules are subject to change up until the Cook’s Meeting to be held at 8:00am Saturday, January 28th, 2012 (event day).

b. Chili must be cooked on site the day of the cook-off.  However, individual ingredients may be marinated, soaked, chopped, cut prior to cook-off.   

d. Cooking conditions are subject to inspection by the event official(s). Failure to comply is subject to disqualification.

e. At the discretion of the event official(s) chili cooks may be required to taste their chili prior to judging.

f. Each team is responsible for preparing chili consisting of a minimum of 15-20 pounds of meat.  While the minimum is 15 lbs, please be cognizant that you need to ensure you have enough for to last the event from 11am-4pm

g. Failure to comply with cook-off rules are subject to disqualification of the team and/or removal from the grounds.

1. Teams

Each team will consist of no more than (4) four team members.

2. Entry Fees

Entry fee, $75 per team and includes 4 tickets to the event (one ticket for each team member). Contact Jeff Hinyub 504.289.1300, Bill Bullock 504.275.4089 or Kevin Guffey 504.338.2504 for entry form. Check payable to Divine Mercy Men’s Club.

Entry form and check can be mailed to: Jeff Hinyub, 4125 Bayou Castine Drive, Kenner, LA 70065

Deadline for entry is Saturday, January 14^th; however, booth space is limited and the Divine Mercy Men’s Club reserves the right to stop accepting applications should the team participation response exceed space allotted.  We are encouraging early application submissions to ensure a spot.

3. Prizes

Prizes will be awarded for 1^st, 2^nd & 3^rd places based upon a celebrity judge panel There will also be, as there was last year, a “People’s Choice” award.  Each paid attendee will be given a ballot to vote for their favorite chili.  The award of “People’s Choice is generated through votes of general public. Judges will also select 1 overall “Best Decorated Booth.” 

4. Schedule of Event

          7:00am-8:00am   Set-up (Vehicles allowed during this time but must exit by 8am)

          8:00am                Cook’s Meeting – Rules, followed by the Start of Cooking

          10:45am              Doors Open to Public

                                      Judging Begins for the Panel

          11:00am              Chili is ready to be served

          3:45pm                Winners Announced

          4:00pm                Chili Cook-Off Ends

5. Sanitation

All cooks are responsible for preparing their chili in accordance with proper sanitation procedures.

6. Equipment

Each team is required to provide their own propane cook stoves, serving utensils, pots, fire extinguisher, etc. The event will not provide the canopy and serving table. Tasting bowls, spoons and napkins for the public will be provided by the Men’s Club. Propane tanks must be in good working order and within code as per federal and state standards and regulations. Each team must have a portable fire extinguisher at their station or will not be allowed to compete. In addition to a portable fire extinguisher, each team is required to bring a serving table not to exceed the width of the canopy/tent.  No electrical power will be supplied.  The only above item that is not required is a canopy no larger than 10X10’, although competitors are encouraged to bring tents and decorate it and the team to illustrate team spirit.

7. Set-Up and Take-Down Information

          a. Set-up will begin at 7:00am on Saturday, January 28th, 2012.

b. Booth spaces will be assigned to each team the morning of the event.

c. Vehicles to drop equipment off will only be allowed from 7:00am-8:00am.

d. Mass does begin at 4pm.  We are encouraging participants to stay and “tailgate”; however, we must be mindful and respectful of mass.

e. Participants may break down all of their equipment after 4pm.

8. Weather

The event will not be cancelled due to bad weather; therefore, no refunds will be made due to inclement weather.

9. Show Sportsmanship

Have fun! The attendees are judging you not only on chili taste, but your theme, costume and booth decorations. Lewd or obscene themes, costumes or decorations are prohibited and will result in disqualification from the event.  Music at the booth is not permissible as entertainment will be provided for the event.

10. Event Policies

          a. NO refunds

           b. We will have soft drinks, water, beer, hot dogs, pizza, and chips for sale for those wanting to enjoy the festivities and participate in the fundraiser but are not fans of chili.

          c. Pets and Coolers are not permitted by attendees.

          d. Coolers are permitted for participants.

          e. ALL Participants must wear wristbands.

11. Proceeds

          Proceeds to benefit the Divine Mercy Men’s Club.

12. Thank You