TUESDAY - July 8, 2008

California Beat the Heat District

The small community of Crestline in the San Bernardino Mountains gave us all a lesson in how to put on a 4th of July celebration. Three full days of events were held in and around the town. The chili cookoff was the last event, held on Sunday, but the enthusiam of the attendees was still in full swing. There were food booths, vendors, chili cooks, music and chili tasting. This was truly a family affair. We were located next to the shore of lovely Lake Gregory. It seemed like everybody had kids or dogs or both and it was great fun watching the families playing in the water with their pets.

.

Speaking of music, the main band of the day was "This Just In", a group who advertised that they play fine bluegrass music, and the advertising was very, very true. The judging area was quite close to the stage and, for once, we were not blown away by the music, but rather very entertained. During breaks we were treated to the local flavor of contests such as an essay contest from kids explaining why they love living in the mountains. During one break we were treated to the "Sunday Jammers", a group of amateur locals who pleased us with renditions of such classics as "Foggy Mountain Breakdown".

.

This cookoff was conceived in April---not much time to put together such an ambitious event. The chairfolks, Bob and Tobi Yeomans, had obviously worked hard to coordinate a correct and quality cookoff. Bob appeared at the California State Championship on May 3rd, carrying flyers and asking for help. He was directed to Steve and Aggie Wright, who live within throwing distance of the cookoff site. With their help, and Bob's attention, this was a memorable cookoff. We could have used a few more cooks, but all three contests were legal. This event deserves better participation from the ICS cooks; it could become a quality Regional cookoff.

.

The charities for the day were "The Construction Investment Group", The Crestline Chamber of Commerce, and the "Backyard Equestrian Center", providing educational and emotional opportunities through the unconditional love of animals. The BYEC was represented by a group of young equestriennes, representing the Hesperia Rodeo. The Hesperia Rodeo Queen is Danielle Williams, the Junior Hesperia Rodeo Queen is Sarah Yeomans, and the Petite Hesperia Rodeo Queen is Cheyenne Cox. Lovely ladies all, they presented the awards to the winners, who are:

.

Salsa (7 entries):

3rd, Russell Barnes, Colton CA

2nd, Leo Nolen, Crestline CA

1st, Marion Donato, Corona CA

.

Chili Verde (7 entries):

3rd, Dionne Cooley, Reno NV

2nd, Karl Smith, Bellflower CA

1st, Nibs Waters, Garden Grove CA, completing his Hat Trick

.

People's Choice Chili (everyone plus some local cooks):

3rd, Mike Stewart, Loma Linda CA

2nd, Leo Nolen, Crestline CA

.1st, Brandon Smith, Crestline CA

People's Choice Salsa:

3rd, Robert Simmons, Yucaipa CA, in his very first competition

2nd, Leo Nolen, Crestline CA

1st, The Hesperia Rodeo Queens

.

Traditional Red Chili (10 entries):

5th, Leo Nolen, Crestline CA

4th, Russell Barnes, Colton CA (lost tie)

3rd, Mike Austin, San Bernardino CA (won tie)

2nd, Mike Stewart, Loma Linda CA

1st, Dionne Cooley, Reno NV, winning her second District to go to the World's Championship!!

.

Chili cooks, please keep this event in mind for next year. It is not "just a District cookoff"; it truly deserves your participation.

Submitted by Karen Ray

.

.

.

WESTERN REGIONAL = DELMAR--URGENT!

Time is nearing for this cookoff, Those of you that plan to cook- I need your applications so that I will have time to return your entry parking passes.

Also. I did not send out Judges' invitations this year so if you wish to judge please contact me right away with names and addresses so that I can send you your entry tickets and parking passes.

.

Contact me at my home tel (my cell is on the fritz)951-6746508 or E-mail okie55@msn.com

SEE YOU AT THE RACES!!!!!!!!!!

CLAUDE COVINGTON

.

.

.

IDAHO STATE CHAMPIONSHIP CHILI COOKOFF
SATURDAY JULY 26, 2008
.
Come join in the fun in Downtown Mountain Home

(a stone's throw from Boise!)

at the 26th Annual Idaho State Cookoff.

.
Carl Miller Park is a GREAT place with lots and lots of HUGE shade trees.
Meet the wonderful hometown and Mountain Home Air Force Base folks at this event.

.

All three Events will be ICS WORLD Qualifiers. (we need 7 entries in each category)
.
SCHEDULE
Set Up Time
7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Cooks' Meeting
9:00 a.m. ALL Categories
Chili Verde Preparation
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Red Chili Preparation
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
.
Cooking and Serving Times for PEOPLES CHOICE CHILI
Start Cooking
8:00 a.m.
Serving
11:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
.

Cooking Times
Chili Verde
10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Red Chili
12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
.
Turn in Times
Salsa 12:00 noon
Chili Verde 1:30 p.m.
Red Chili 3:00 p.m.

.
Awards at approximately 4:30 p.m.
.
FOR INFORMATION
Call Charlie Ward at 208-587-4924
travelinwards@q.com

.

.

.

============================

If you have articles for posting to Dicks Chili World BLOG, they can be emailed to GWTWChili@aol.com

============================

Tell your other Chilihead Friends about the BLOG and how it works.