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Chiasson Smoke Chili Cook-off
Nov
15

Chiasson Smoke Chili Cook-off

Entry Form

Chiasson Smoke Chili Cook-Off — Official Rules

Date: Saturday, November 15
Location: Chiasson Smoke (Boscobel, WI)
Entry Fee: Canned Goods
Event Runs: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Turn in: 12:00 PM (noon)

1) Eligibility & Entry

  1. Open to all cooks (solo or team).

  2. No entry fee. One chili entry per cook/team.

  3. All chili must be cooked on-site on the day of the event.

2) Check-In, Inspection, and Timeline (Hard Times)

  • 7:00 AM – Gates Open: Load-in and site setup only.

  • 7:00-8:00 AM – Check in/Mandatory Meat Inspection:

    • All meat must arrive sealed in store/processor packaging.

    • Present meat to the inspector.

    • After your meat passes inspection, it may be opened and prepped.

  • 8:15 AM (approx.) – Cooking May Begin: Only after your sign off on your meat inspection.

  • 12:00 PM – Turn-In: One container (enough for six small bowls). Late turn-ins are disqualified.

  • 12:15 pm - Chili Bowl presentation see rules below. (optional)

Note: If you arrive after 8:00 AM, report directly to the inspection table. You may not begin cooking until your meat is inspected and approved.

3) Chili Requirements

  1. Any style allowed: beans or no beans, meat, vegetarian, or vegan.

  2. All prep and cooking must occur on site after inspection.

  3. You must produce enough for six (6) small bowls/containers for judging. (Event will provide standard containers.)

  4. No pre-cooked meats or pre-made chili components. Canned tomatoes/beans, dry spices, sauces, and stock are allowed.

4) Equipment & Fuel

  1. You may cook on any safe outdoor cooker (propane, charcoal, wood, electric).

  2. Rocket Stove Bonus: Any cook using a Chiasson Smoke Rocket Stove receives a cash bonus

  3. If you place 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th cooked on a Chiasson Smoke Rocket Stove, you receive an additional cash bonus.

  4. Bring your own canopy/tent, tables, power cords, water containers, and fire extinguishers. Heaters and fire pits will be available on site.

5) Food Safety

  1. 8:00 AM Meat must be sealed and inspected before any trimming, seasoning, or cooking.

  2. Maintain safe temps: hold cold foods ≤ 41°F; cook and hold hot foods ≥ 140°F.

  3. Use clean utensils, gloves for ready-to-eat handling, and separate boards for raw/cooked items.

6) Turn-In Procedure (Noon)

  1. At 12:00 PM, deliver the event container to the judges’ table.

  2. No markings on containers; follow the number system given at check-in.

  3. Garnishes are optional but must fit entirely within the container.

  4. Late entries or incorrect container counts will be disqualified.

7) Judging & Scoring

  • Panel: Six (6) judges.

  • Scoring: Each judge scores 0.5–10 (10 = outstanding) across overall impression (Taste, Aroma, Texture, Balance). 0.5 points will be used

  • Total Score: Sum of all judges’ scores; highest total wins.

Tie-Breakers (in order):

  1. Higher combined Taste sub-score (judge cards).

  2. Higher combined Texture sub-score. (judge cards)

  3. In case tie again, the Head Judge decision via immediate re-taste of tied entries.

8) Prizes (Cash)

Total Cash Purse: $5,000

  • 1st Place:  $2,000

  • 2nd Place: $1,250

  • 3rd Place:  $850

  • 4th Place: $500

  • 5th Place: $350

Rocket Stove Cash Bonuses:

  • If you cook using a Chiasson Smoke Rocket Stove (participation bonus).

  • If you place 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th and use a Rocket Stove.

Payouts: Winners receive printed checks on site. 1099 will be issued as required.

9) Site, Weather, and Conduct

  1. The event is rain, cold, or shine. Bring canopies, sidewalls, and weights.

  2. Port-a-potties on site; limited power—plan accordingly.

  3. Keep your space tidy; dispose of grease and ashes in designated containers only.

  4. Be respectful to staff, judges, other teams, and guests.

  5. Any unsafe behavior, rule violations, or tampering may result in disqualification.

10) Family Activities

  • Family welcome: heaters, fire pits, hot chocolate, apple cider,

  • Grilled cheese contest

  • Coloring page contest

11) People’s Choice

  • After turn in (12:00 pm), teams are encouraged (not required) to share remaining chili with attendees for a chance to win People’s Choice. The winner will be determined by the highest number of tokens. The winner is announced at the awards after Cook Off Judging is concluded.

  • Prize Payout: $1,000

12) Organizer’s Rights

  • Chiasson Smoke may adjust schedules for safety/weather, interpret rules, and make final decisions on disqualifications.

  • By entering, cooks consent to photography/video for event promotion.

  • Chiasson Smoke reserves the right to refuse entry or disqualify any contestant at its discretion.
    Reasons may include failure to follow event rules, inappropriate behavior, or any action deemed unsafe or disruptive to the competition.

Chiasson Smoke Grilled Cheese Competition Rules

Entry Fee: Canned Goods
Turn in: 1:00 PM

Judging begins at 1:00 in the Grilled Cheese tent.

Competitors will create their best grilled cheese sandwiches to be judged on Longest Cheese Stretch and Best Taste.

Competition Categories (present two (2) grilled cheese in total. One for each Category.

  1. Longest Stretch of Cheese

    • Each contestant will present a hot grilled cheese sandwich to the judges.

    • The sandwich will be cut in half, and both halves pulled apart to measure the longest unbroken cheese stretch.

    • The distance (in inches) will be measured and recorded.

    • The longest cheese pull wins this category.

  2. Best Taste/Appearance

    • Judges will evaluate based on:

      • Taste

      • Appearance

    • Each judge scores 0.5–10 in each area

    • Highest average wins.

Competition Format

  • Two sandwiches per competitor or team.

  • Sandwiches must be made on-site

Judging Procedure

  1. Cheese Stretch Round

    • Each sandwich tested live in front of judges and audience.

    • Measured and recorded.

  2. Taste Round

    • Judges receive 1/4 sandwich each for tasting.

    • Score sheets collected and averaged.

Awards

  • Longest Stretch Champion
    Payout: $100 plus a Hauler Grill with Griddle.

  • Best Taste Champion
    Payout: $100 plus Hauler Grill with Griddle.

  • Bonus Cash

    • Chiasson Smoke Product Bonus if the winner uses a Chiasson Smoke Product

    • Chiasson Smoke reserves the right to refuse entry or disqualify any contestant at its discretion.
      Reasons may include failure to follow event rules, inappropriate behavior, or any action deemed unsafe or disruptive to the competition.

Best Presentation of Chili Bowl Competition

Each competitor must:

  • Bring their own presentation bowl (any material, style, or size).

  • Include any desired toppings or extras, such as:

    • Sour cream, shredded cheese, onions, herbs, tortilla chips, crackers, cornbread, etc.

  • Keep all components food-safe and edible (no non-food decorative elements on or inside the bowl).

  • Judging Criteria
    Each bowl will be scored 0.5–10 in the following categories:

    • Visual Appeal – How eye-catching, appetizing, and well-presented the bowl looks.

    • Creativity – Originality of toppings, garnishes, and overall concept.

    • Execution – Cleanliness, balance of colors/textures, and use of space within the bowl.

  • Total Possible Score: 30 points per judge.
    Judging Procedure

    • Contestants will present their chili bowls at a designated table or judging area.

    • Judges will evaluate bowls visually

    • All judging will be done anonymously by numbered entry.

  • Awards

    • Best Presentation of Chili Bowl Champion – Highest total score $100 and a Chiasson Smoke Charcoal Chimney

  • Timing

    • Presentation judging occurs during the main cook off judging

    • Turn in by 12:15 pm with a presentation card and your number.

      Chiasson Smoke reserves the right to refuse entry or disqualify any contestant at its discretion.
      Reasons may include failure to follow event rules, inappropriate behavior, or any action deemed unsafe or disruptive to the competition.

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