Chaparosa Ranch Chili Cook-Off Official Rules & Regulations

Event Details

Location: Chaparosa Ranch, Rio Verde Foothills, AZ
Date & Time: Saturday November 8th 8:30 AM -3:30 PM (Tasting Begins at 11:00 AM)
Entry Fee: $50 (Non-refundable)
Eligibility: Ages 18+ only
Category: People's Choice – First, Second & Third Place Winners

🎟️ Buy Tickets

For questions contact:
📧 chaparosaevents@gmail.com
📞 602-315-1635

Registration

  • Entry fee is $50 per cook/team and is non-refundable.
  • Space is limited. Register early to secure your spot.
  • All cooks must sign the Chaparosa Ranch participation waiver and agree to these rules.

Cooking Schedule

9:30 AM - Contestant/Vendor Check-In & Booth Setup
10:30 AM - On-Site Prep & Food Safety Inspection
11:00 AM - Tasting Begins
12:30 PM - Chili Pints Collected for Rural Metro Blind Taste Test
2:00 PM - Tasting Closes 
2:30 PM - Winners Announced & Booths Can Begin Clean Up (not tear down)

Winner Selection

  • Each guest will receive one ballot upon entry.
  • The People's Choice Award will be given to the cook with the most votes.
  • In the event of a tie, Rural Metro Judges will break the tie.
  • People’s Choice winner receives a cash prize in the amount of $100, bragging rights, and social media feature.
  • Rural Metro Firefighters winner will receive a cash prize of $150, bragging rights, social media feature, and your chili featured at The Pony Express for the following weekend (Fri-Sat-Sun)

Competition Rules

  • No Cooking Categories. All chili types (beef, pork, vegetarian, spicy, etc.) compete against each other.
  • We will have 2 Winning categories:
                1. People’s Choice winner, where the attendees will vote for their favorite chili by ballot.
                2. Rural Metro Firefighter winner, judged solely by our community heroes
  • People’s choice is the competitor with the most votes by the attendees.
  • Rural Metro judging will be a TRUE BLIND TASTE TEST. Each competitor will be given a pint size container and will be marked with an undisclosed number.
  • If you are entering more than one chili category (i.e. vegetarian and a red) the registration fee is $50 for the first entry and $35 for the second entry. There will be no more than 2 entries per person/booth/team.
  • Competitors are responsible for setting aside a pint size amount for judging, which will be collected at 12:30.
  • Chili can be any type as long as it is HOMEMADE. WE DO NOT support the use of canned chili. Canned beans are acceptable to use. This is on the honor system.

Chili Prep & Safety

  • Chili must be cooked off-site and brought to the event fully cooked in a food-safe container (e.g., Crock-Pot, warming tray, etc.).
  • Cooks must be ready for tasting by 11:00 AM.
  • You are responsible for all food – whether stored, resting or cooking - must always be maintained at food-safe temperatures.
  • Gloves and hand sanitizer must be used when handling food.
  • No raw meat handling or cooking on-site, chili will be prepared off-site, not at the event.
  • Grinding and/or mixing of dry spices and cutting of vegetables are allowed prior to the event. All other ingredients must be prepared off-site.
  • Garnishes are not allowed. Rule of thumb- if an ingredient found on the top layer of an entry serving cannot also be found mixed throughout the entire bowl, it is a garnish and is not permitted. (sour cream, cheese, onions, etc)
  • All ingredients must be sourced from a licensed food manufacturer, wholesale supplier or retail store.
  • Failure to abide by any of the above, will result in disqualification.

Cook Supply List

Cooks Must Bring:

  • Recommended 2 gallons of chili
  • Serving spoon/ladle
  • Tasting cups & spoons
  • Table cloth (s) (secured and or fitted in the event of wind)
  • Extension cords (if using Crock-Pot or warmer)
  • Food prep gloves
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Any signage or decor for your booth
  • Trash receptacle for your booth
  • Cups & spoons for tasting
  • Napkins
  • Fire extinguisher if using propane gas stove set-up (open flame)

**If you do not have any of the above items, Chaparosa Ranch has made it easy for you! We have provided an Amazon link to purchase any of the above items for your convenience.

Additional Info

  • All cooks are expected to remain set up until the event ends.
  • Cooks are expected to promote the event on social media once per week leading up to the event.
  • This is an alcohol-free event.
  • Due to bio-security reasons, dogs are not allowed.

We welcome guests of all ages to enjoy this family-friendly, faith and community-centered event. Please help us maintain a respectful and positive atmosphere for everyone. Thank you 🙂