Chili cook-off coming this weekend to Aragon
Think you’re the best chef around?
Are you world famous for your chili recipe?
The city of Aragon is inviting the county’s cooks to head to Tom Pittman field on Nov. 4 for the first ever, potentially annual, Chili Cook Off. The cook off will be an all day event where citizens can come and go for unique chili, live music, countless vendors, and competition.
Those just looking to shop and eat chili can enter for free, but contestants are urged to contact organizer Jess Ozment at 770-8961165 for more details about entering the cook off.
A booth will be set up at the field at 8:30 a.m. for contestants to receive number cards for booth and judging. Ballot cards will be sold at the table for those wanting to become a people’s choice judge. Doors open to the public at 11 a.m. before the judging which begins at noon.
A competition, Aragon will provide judges who look for certain things in the chili.
“The official cook off judges will be looking at color, aroma, consistency, taste, and, aftertaste,” Ozment said. “Judging is final. Three awards will be given, one per booth, including judges choice, peoples choice, and the showmanship award.”
The judges choice award includes either a trophy or cash, depending on circumstances, and winner will be decided by highest overall score on the judge’s scorecard. The people’s choice award is earned from citizens vote, and choice award winner walks away with a trophy. A showmanship trophy is obtainable by the team with the best presentation, décor, and overall entertainment value. Citizens decide the winner of the showmanship trophy.
No one likes a cheater, and numerous rules have been imple- mented to make the event as fair as possible.
“Contestants must be 18 years or older,” Ozment said.
She added that contestants must have enough chili to serve everyone- preferably 3 gallons minimum. Teams can consist of 1 head cook and up to 4 assistants. The head cook is responsible for the team’s conduct, cooking area, and compliance to rules and regulations.
No alcohol is allowed at the event, and anyone suspected of having alcohol will be asked to leave promptly.
Contestants are required to fully clean up any trash or excess food at the end of the day, and all food used in the contest must be prepared and cooked on site in safe, sanitary conditions.
Cooks are responsible for any accidents or emergencies that may occur during the cooking. Chefs are urged to have a fire extinguisher handy, and be prepared to deal with accidents involving bodily harm or fire.