SATURDAY - August 5, 2006

Wild Fire District, Romoland, CA
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The 2nd Annual Wild Fire District in Romoland, CA was held today. The event was greatly improved over last year's for several reasons. The cooks were more strategically placed in relationship to the judging area. The judging area was moved and enlarged to make it much more pleasant and convenient. There were many, many more and varied vendors than last year. In addition to the People's Choice Chili furnished by the ICS cooks, there were eight local cooks who each brought five gallons of chili with beans. The public was much larger and much more enthusiastic than last year. The entertainment provided throughout the day was excellent and included various types and styles of music. Chief Judge, Claude Covington, has done an excellent job of working with the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce to help them improve and enhance their event.

The venue for this cookoff is unique. Hamshaw Farms is an indoor market featuring local fresh produce, homemade baked goods, candy (including a refrigerated chocolate room!), freshly cooked barbecue and gift items. Owner John Hamshaw sponsors the chili cookoff, providing $2,650 in prize money for the cooks good enough and lucky enough to win it.
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As you know, many of the Southern California chili cooks have already qualified for the World's Championship in October. Most of these came to judge and help in any way they could. They are too numerous to list, but they know who they are and how much their support is appreciated!
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The winners ($500 for 1st, $250 for 2nd, $100 for 3rd in each category plus $100 for People's Choice chili) were:
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Salsa:
3rd, David Thomas
2nd, Ellen Dyer
1st, Barry Steinberg, completing his hat trick
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Chili Verde:
3rd, Domenique Blosfield, her first time to cook
2nd, Joe Barrett, who traveled all the way from Idaho to compete
1st, Mike Stewart, who admits he used Kathy's 2002 World Championship recipe
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People's Choice Chili:
Don Hammes
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Traditional Red Chili:
4th, Bill Woodring; watch out for him---he's been in the top five everywhere lately
3rd, Allene Macklin
2nd, Kyra Schneider, still hoping for a second District win
1st, Mike Stewart, who was also the defending champion of this cookoff
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Rumor has it that this event may be moved earlier in the chili calendar next year to make a serious attempt to attain the Regional status that it deserves.
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Colorado State and Rocky Mtn. Championships in Winter Park
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The time is running out to qualify for the very special 40th Anniversary World's Championship Chili Cookoff. Last year's event in Omaha was one of the best Championships ever and the 2nd year there should top that! YOU can still be part of the action on the biggest stage in the world of cooking.by winning one of the six spots up for grabs as this year's Colorado State and Rocky Mtn. Championships in Winter Park, Aug.26 and 27th.

With eight Colorado cooks having qualified for red already and three accomplishing the "Hat Trick" by qualifying in all three, the odds improved! Winter Park always produces one of the finest cookoffs held right at the ski base area. There's plenty of activities for those non cookers plus lodging is plentiful, reasonable, and ranges from inexpensive to luxury.
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For More Information, Contact:
Patty McCarthy 150 Alpenglow Way Winter Park, CO 80482 303-316-1689 pmccarthy@skiwinterpark.com
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Entry forms HAVE been mailed, so you if need one, get to Patty ASAP as time is running out.
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