Upcoming events.

Chiasson Smoke Chili Cook-off
Nov
15

Chiasson Smoke Chili Cook-off

Chiasson Smoke Chili Cook-Off — Official Rules

Date: Saturday, November 15
Location: Chiasson Smoke (Boscobel, WI)
Entry Fee: None (free to compete)
Event Runs: 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Judging: 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)

  • 6:00 AM – Gates Open: Load-in and site setup only.

  • 7:00 AM – Mandatory Meat Inspection:

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

    • Present meat at the inspection table at 7:00 AM.

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

  • 7:15 AM (approx.) – Cooking May Begin: Only after your meat passes inspection.

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

Note: If you arrive after 7:00 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 $100.

  3. If you place 1st, 2nd, or 3rd and cooked on a Chiasson Smoke Rocket Stove, you receive an additional $1,000 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. Meat must be sealed and inspected at 7:00 AM 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.

  4. Hand-washing station or sanitizer at each cook site is required.

6) Turn-In Procedure (Noon)

  1. At 12:00 PM, deliver 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 (flavor, 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 Flavor sub-score (judge cards).

  2. Higher combined Texture/Mouthfeel sub-score.

  3. Head Judge decision via immediate re-taste of tied entries.

8) Prizes (Cash)

Total Cash Purse: $5,000

  • 1st Place: 60% of purse ($3,000)

  • 2nd Place: 30% of purse ($1,500)

  • 3rd Place: 10% of purse ($500)

Rocket Stove Bonuses:

  • $100 to any cook using a Chiasson Smoke Rocket Stove (participation bonus).

  • +$1,000 bonus if you place 1st, 2nd, or 3rd and used a Rocket Stove.

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

9) Site, Weather, and Conduct

  1. 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

11) Crowd Sampling (Optional)

  • After winners are announced, teams are encouraged (not required) to share remaining chili with attendees.

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.

View Event →