SATURDAY - September 30, 2006

Heart of Gold District---Del Mar, CA

This was a very well planned, well executed cookoff. It is a shame that the timing, so close to the World's Championship, prevented it from having the participation that it deserved from contestants.

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The venue is the same as that for the Western Regional Chili Cookoff in August---the infield of the racetrack at Del Mar. The difference is that there are no horse races at this time, so the access to the event and parking are much easier. The weather was perfect: overcast until about noon, then mildly sunny with no wind at all.

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Chairperson Jan Ferris is not a stranger to the chili folks. In the 80s she chaired a very successful ICS cookoff in San Marcos, CA whose winner was sent to cook in a CASI event in San Marcos, TX, all expenses paid! Jan was also the first Chairperson of the Western Regional Chili Cookoff. Her experience shone through with her thoughtful consideration of the cooks and judges who attended today's event.

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This cookoff was held in conjunction with the "Heart of Gold" motorcycle ride, which benefits the Angela Spence Foundation for research and treatment of heart disease in young people. The event itself was very well attended and quite successful and continues tomorrow. There were many quality vendors, purveying motorcycle articles and information. There were also events all day of interest to the motorcycle folks.

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The cooks who turned out for the event were rewarded with enthusiastic sampling of their People's Choice chili. They were also rewarded financially for their competition efforts. Jan is giving serious consideration to changing the date of next year's cookoff to make it more enticing to the competitors. We're with you, Jan. This is one that deserves to continue!

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And the winners were:

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Salsa (7 entries):

2nd, Tony Angotti

1st, Red Brecke (local boy makes good)

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Chili Verde only had one entry, Sachiko Brecke. However, Jan awarded the $250 first place prize money and trophy to Sachiko in appreciation for her efforts in cooking and serving to the public her excellent Chili Verde!

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Traditional Red Chili (7 entries):

3rd, Bob Poston (another local boy)

2nd, Fujiko Poston (and a local girl)

1st, Don Hammes---going to the World on Double Districts and completing his Hat Trick; about time, Don! How many second place finishes?

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We now have 41 Hat Trick WINNERS - a New Record

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Have you completed your ICS WORLD'S CHAMPIONSHIPS Entry Forms ?? Bring the COMPLETED Forms to Omaha with you and give them to VICKIE. (Do NOT Mail)

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Did you check the ICS Web Site today, http://www.chilicookoff.com/

more ICS WORLD's News being added Daily

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