Minden St. Jude Chili Cookoff 2023 - Cook Registration

Welcome to the registration page for the Minden St. Jude Chili Cook-off. Part of the 47th annual Minden Auction Benefiting St. Jude Children's Hospital. Cook-off will be held Saturday, February 11th, 2023. Pre-register online, or register at sign in the day of the cook-off. Entry fee for the chili cook-off will be $30, which will need to be paid by cash or check (preferably cash). Please enter all requested information in this form to reserve your team's spot. Detailed email to follow listing rules and important announcements.

Categories Include:

Official Judging - 1st - 5th Place - See how your chili compares with the rest of the field and be crowned the overall chili champion. 20 Judges will judge your chili against the rest of the field and rate your chili based on these 5 categories. AROMA - RED COLOR – CONSISTENCY – TASTE - AFTERTASTE. 

People's Choice Awards - 1st & 2nd Place - Voted on by everyone who purchases a tasting cup. The coveted "Peoples Champ Award" We encourage all cooks to participate in this by cooking enough chili to serve to the public and allow them to try your chili. We recommend cooking no less than 5-10lbs of chili in order to have enough for tasting cups.  

Best In Show - 1st & 2nd Places - Voted on by the Public for the chili cook who goes above and beyond in decorating his or her booth with their theme of choice.

FAQs

Is this a CASI sanctioned event? 

Our chili cook-off is no longer a CASI sanctioned event. We have had a long history with CASI and appreciate their partnership over the past years. After careful consideration, it has been decided that we will continue to follow the CASI rules, but will not meet the criteria to be a sanctioned event. This will allow us the opportunity to focus more on fundraising for the auction, and promoting a successful event.  

What are the rules for the cook-off?

We will continue to follow CASI rules for cooking chili. 

COMPETITION CHILI MUST BE COOKED ON SITE - All chili must be cooked from scratch (raw meat) on site the day of the cookoff. All chili must be prepared in the open. Commercial chili powder is permissible, but complete commercial chili mixes (just add meat) are not permissible 

NO FILLERS IN CHILI - Beans, macaroni, rice, hominy, or other similar ingredients are not permitted.

SANITATION - Cooks are to prepare and cook chili in a sanitary manner.

Can Anyone Participate? 

Everyone is encouraged to attend and participate in the cook-off. Whether you are a first-time cook or a traveling chili pro, we want you involved in the events of the day. Register and come out for a great day to help us raise money for St. Jude. Cooks Under 16 will need to have a parent onsite and registered on their team. 

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

Parking will be limited due to the main lot of the Minden Civic Center being used for the chili cook-off participants. 5k activities will also be going on at the time of morning setup. Plan ahead and arrive early to get your spot prepared so you can begin cooking on time.

Can I bring my RV or Camper?

Due to limited available space in the civic center parking lot we will not be allowing any vehicles, RV's, campers, trailers, or cooking trailers inside the main lot of the civic center the day of the event. Other arrangements may be made available. Please email [email protected] for more information regarding this change.

When are we allowed to setup? 

Setup will begin Friday@4:00 PM.

Where can our team setup?

There are no reserved spaces. Spaces will be arranged on a first come - first serve basis. We ask that you work with the people around you and arrange your tents and booths to be placed as efficiently as possible. 

What can I bring into the event?

Any supplies that are needed to cook your best chili. (Don't forget - Pop up tent, tables, pot, burner, propane, paper towels, water, can opener, lighter, chili powder.)  

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

email any questions to [email protected]

 Can I update my registration information?

Please email any changes that need to be made to [email protected] 

Host or Publisher Minden St. Jude Chili Cook-off