SUNDAY - May 24, 2009

INLAND EMPIRE REGIONAL CHILI COOKOFF

May 23, 2009

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It was a beautiful Southern California day, cool in the morning but ultimately in the mid-80s with a slight breeze. It was perfect for an event which stretched for a half mile along one of the main streets in the Arlington Village neighborhood of Riverside. Seven years ago, when the Arlington Business Partnership conceived the idea of holding a chili cookoff they were told that they could not close Magnolia Avenue. That was eventually turned into a "yes" and the inaugural event was planned. That first year saw the chili cookoff, a small car show, one stage, three community cooks, about fifteen vendors, a few children's activities and public attendance of about 3,000. Fast forward to 2009. They ran out of room for cars; the car show was accompanied by a motorcycle show. There were two stages with entertainment, a large Kid Zone with educational and interactive amusements, over a hundred quality crafts and food vendors and thirteen local cooks competing in three different categories. Public attendance was estimated at 30,000. This is the second-largest public attendance of any event held in Riverside, exceeded only by the airshow, which runs for two days. This year the organizers dubbed it "The Biggest Little Event in Riverside".

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The only disappointment was the sparsity of ICS cooks. Only 14 Traditional Red cooks competed, accompanied by 11 Chili Verdes and 8 Salsas. This is attributable to several factors. There are currently 16 Southern California chili cooks who are already qualified for Traditional Red chili at the World's Championship. With one exception, every one of those cooks has competed at the Inland Empire Regional at least once. Since March 1^st there has been a chili cookoff (sometimes two) in Southern California every weekend but one; and there were back-to-back cookoffs in nearby Laughlin, NV during that time period, which are always well-attended by Southern California cooks. I count 15 chili cookoffs in 11 weeks. Even the diehards burn out (or get qualified). There are a few folks who won't travel on a Holiday weekend. Then there are the currently-popular buzzwords "The Economy" and "Escalating Gas Prices". Enough whining, it was what it was. And it was an excellent show!

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Chief Judge was Steve Porter, who has been named as the Chief Judge of the World's Championship for 2009 and beyond. Chief Scorekeeper was Allene Macklin, assisted by Mary Ellen Weber and Linda Porter. Wrangler was Dennis Macklin, who was everywhere all day doing everything. Oversight was provided by Bill and Karen Ray. At the end of the day $5,000 in prize money was distributed among the happy winners, who were:

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Salsa:

5^th, Marian Donato

4^th, Bob Dyer (the defending champion)

3^rd, Russell Barnes

2^nd, Armando Sanchez

1^st, Red Brecke

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Chili Verde:

5^th, Tom Clarke (the defending champion)

4^th, Charlie Blosfield

3^rd, Steve Crawford

2^nd, Sachiko Brecke

1^st, Mike Austin, earning his Hat Trick

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ICS People's Choice Chili:

3^rd, Judy Clarke

2^nd, Tony Austin with 101 votes

1^st, Russell Barnes with 105 votes

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Best First-Time ICS Cook:

Tony Austin

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Interspersed with the ICS awards were awards for the Best Open Salsa, Best First-Time Community Cook, Best Restaurant Cook, Best Celebrity Cook (a competition among the City Councilpersons from Wards 1, 4, 5 and 6) and Best Community Cook.

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Traditional Red Chili:

5^th, Karl Smith

4^th, Tony Austin

3^rd, Tish Crawford

2^nd, Charlie Blosfield

1^st, Red Brecke, (the defending champion)

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It was definitely Brecke Day in Riverside. They took home $1,550 in prize money!

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Clarksville Missouri Regional

June 6th'

Mississippi Riverfront Park

Clarksville Mo.

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The time is getting close. Please let me know if you are coming.

We have great music and hopefully a wonderful day. Win a place for

the World. Bring tables tents, and whatever you want for decoration.

Hope to see you there

Linda

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B2B cookoffs in Nebraska

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June 5th, 6th, 7th , 2009.

The B2Bs in Omaha are approaching quick , and hotel and cook off information is available

at toucanchewchili@msn.com likewise if you have not received anything yet then please contact us on email. these are both qualifiers for the WCCC 's.in all categories.

The Wild Willies Regional and Nebraska State Championships are still located on the scenic Missouri River .

The Friday evening riverboat cruise and the cook offs offer a great time with good cooks coming together for a weekend of fun and chili . The proceeds are for Angels Among Us , a financial support group

to the families of cancer patients .

Hope to see everyone .

Bill and Sue Dudzik , Chairpersons

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CHRIS NICOLL

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Hi to all my friends and chili family:

I wanted to let you all know how things were going for me. Cook offs are very hard for me without Chris. This is why I haven't attended very many. I am sorry for this. You have all been very supportive to me. But as you all can imagine I struggle day to day. My father Nibs Waters keeps me pretty busy. His health is just OK. Kidney problems seem to make other ailments worse but he has some real good days and real bad days.

I wanted to let you all know that Chris's 50th birthday is July 3rd. I am going to the island on his birthday for 1 night. It is going to be very hard but I need and have to do this, A Memorial scholarship fund has been set up in his name and honor at Rio Hondo College in Whittier, CA from where he was born.

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If anyone is interested in more information on the Scholarship fund just let me know. Please contact me at

nicollaw@aol.com or 714 743-5663 and I can give you the info.

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There is a legacy book online for friends and family to write thoughts or upload pictures. If you are so inclined to do so. I will be printing it into a hard copy at the end of the year for a keepsake. If anyone would be interested in writing in his legacy book here is the link.

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http://www.legacy.com/gb2/default.aspx?bookid=2538448470399

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Again, thank you for all your support.

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Mary Nicoll

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38^th ANNUAL ARIZONA STATE

ICS CHILI COOKOFF

Mazatzal Hotel & Casino

Part of the Northern Arizona B2B Weekend

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Payson, AZ.

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(First half of the Northern Arizona B2B Cookoffs)

(is Saturday – 24^th ANNUAL ROUTE 66 REGIONAL)

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ICS RED 1^st Prize - $1,000

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Catagories:

ICS RED CHILI - Entry Fee: $35.00

CHILI VERDE - Entry Fee: $25.00

SALSA - Entry Fee: $15.00

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Turn In Times:

ICS RED CHILI 2:00 PM

CHILI VERDE 12:00 Noon

SALSA 11:00 AM

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AWARDS 4:00 PM or Sooner if Available

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For Hotel Information:

Contact: Linda Mathieson at: lmathieson@777play.com

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SILVER STATE REGIONAL

June 6, 2009

Lake Las Vegas, NV

Contact:

Donnie Gordon

chilidoni@aol.com

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