WEDNESDAY - MAR 18, 2009

Oak Glen Regional,

Saturday March 14^th

The community of Oak Glen, CA is best known for its apples and related products in the Fall of the year. The idea for a chili cookoff came about because the owners of Oak Tree Village wanted to have a special event in the Winter/Spring season for their loyal customers. Oak Glen is located in the San Bernardino mountains at about 5,000 feet. Although Bill and I knew better, we did not dress for the cooooooold morning temperatures, so we shivered for a while until the sun appeared and began to warm things up. Our hospitable hosts had provided plenty of hot coffee and some delicious apple pastries, which helped a lot.

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It was unfortunate that the date for this event conflicted with the great back-to-back cookoffs in Phoenix. It was also preceded by a week by a very well-publicized event in San Bernardino. Given that the Oak Glen cookoff came about at the last minute, it was not as well attended as it deserved to be. This is a wonderful place, with lots of atmosphere and local color. There were gunfighter shows going on all day and lots of craftsmen and vendors. Beautiful peafowl roamed freely throughout the grounds, sometimes startling us their cries of H - E - L - P!; at least that's what it sounded like. And no, Bill did not pull those feathers out of the peacock's tail---they were given to me by the proprietor of the snack bar, "The Dog House".

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It turned into a beautiful day with mild temperatures, an adequate and appreciative crowd to sample the People's Choice chili, and great cameraderie and friendship among the cooks. We were entertained by a very good 3-man band, who played a versatile assortment of country, oldies, soft rock and anything that was requested by the public. All three of the musicians had good voices and lots of personality. The band was one of the highlights of the day for us. The winners have already been reported, but, if you missed them, they were:

People's Choice Chili:

Bill Ray, who won a 3-way tie with Ron Harris and Steve Crawford by virtue of a last-minute ballot

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Salsa:

3rd, Armando Sanchez

2nd, Maggie Harris

1st, Sylvia Steinberg

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Chili Verde:

3rd, Ray Calderon

2nd, Geraldine Villalpando

1st, Jim Stoddard, completing his Hat Trick

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Traditional Red Chili:

5th, Geraldine Villalpando

4th, Armando Sanchez

3rd, Bill Ray

2nd, Steve Crawford, who tied with Bill and won the tiebreaker

1st, Barry Steinberg, advancing to the World's Championship after missing last year

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The owners of Oak Tree Village have declared that they want to continue this event. Care will be taken to avoid conflicts next year. Watch for the date; this is a unique cookoff and well worth attending.

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Submitted by Karen Ray

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IDAHO STATE CHILI CHAMPIONSHIP
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This event has a new DATE, new LOCATION, and new CONTACT PERSON.
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The Idaho State Chili Championship will be held on FRIDAY, July 10, 2009 in Downtown Nampa, Idaho which is a hop, skip, and a jump from Boise, the state capital. The Nampa Lions will be organizing the event for 2009. The contact person is Jonette Flores. She can be reached at (208) 465-6666 Ext 1365.
Her e-mail address is jonettef@premieralliance.net.
The Idaho State Championship Chili Cookoff will be in conjunction with The reasure Valley's longest and biggest festival Snake River Dayz. You won't want to miss "Hot Chili Nights" on Friday, July 10th with superb Chili Tasting, a Street Dance, Miss Rodeo Idaho Kidz Rodeo with Free Ice Cream, Goody Bags and Balloons and a carnival! More information will be following forthwith.
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TUESDAY - Mar 17, 2009

IDAHO STATE CHILI CHAMPIONSHIP
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This event has a new DATE, new LOCATION, and new CONTACT PERSON.
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The Idaho State Chili Championship will be held on FRIDAY, July 10, 2009
in Downtown Nampa, Idaho which is a hop, skip, and a jump from Boise, the
state capital. The Nampa Lions will be organizing the event for 2009. The
contact person is Jonette Flores. She can be reached at (208) 465-6666 Ext 1365.
Her e-mail address is jonettef@premieralliance.net.
The Idaho State Championship Chili Cookoff will be in conjunction with The Treasure Valley's longest and biggest festival Snake River Dayz.
You won't want to miss "Hot Chili Nights" on Friday, July 10th with superb Chili Tasting, a Street Dance, Miss Rodeo Idaho Kidz Rodeo with Free Ice Cream, Goody Bags and Balloons and a carnival! More information will be following forthwith.
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Delaware Valley ICS Regional

Dear Chili Cooks:
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The 4th Annual Delaware Valley ICS Regional Chili Cook-Off, Concert and Festival is scheduled for June 13, 2009 at the Gloucester County Dream Park, 400 Route 130 South, Logan Township, NJ 08085. The event is hosted and promoted by the Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce as a fundraiser for five local charities: American Red Cross - Gloucester County Chapter, Boys and Girls Club of Gloucester County, Gloucester County Habitat for Humanity, Gloucester County Special Services Education Foundation/Autism and People for People Foundation of Gloucester County.
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The total prize money for this year's event is $10,050 and it breaks down like this:
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Traditional Red: 1st Place - $2,000, 2nd Place - $1,000, 3rd Place - $500, 4th Place - Certificate, 5th Place - Certificate
People's Choice: 1st Place - $2,000, 2nd Place - $1,000, 3rd Place - $500, 4th Place - Certificate, 5th Place - Certificate
Chili Verde: 1st Place - $1,000, 2nd Place - $500, 3rd Place - $250
Salsa - 1st Place - $400, 2nd Place - $200, 3rd Place - $100
Wing Eating Contest: 1st Place - $500, 2nd Place - Certificate, 3rd Place - Certificate
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Dave Lorenz is the Chief Judge, Steve Falcowski is the Assistant Chief Judge, Audrey Falcowski is the Chief Scorekeeper and Dorothy Lorenz is the Asistant Scorekeeper. I am honored to have such a reputable group of judging officials to represent the Chamber's 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off.
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The host hotel is the Hampton Inn, Two Pureland Drive, Logan Township, NJ 08085. The phone number is (856) 467-6200. When you call ask for the Chili Cook-Off rate of $89.00. This special rate is available from Thursday, June 11th through Sunday, June 14th. The Hampton Inn is less than three miles from the Gloucester County Dream Park. It is a very beautiful and well maintained hotel with an excercise facility, outdoor pool and free deluxe continental breakfast.
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If you are flying in for the Chili Cook-Off, the Philadelphia International Airport is your best bet. Southwest has cheap flights from all over the Continental United States. The airport is twenty minutes from the Hampton Inn.
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There is an Acme Supermarket in the shopping center less than a mile from the Hampton Inn (for your last minute grocery items). There is a Super Wawa in front of the hotel where you can gas up your vehicle and get a cup of coffee. If you forget your propane bottle for your Coleman stove, there is a True Value Hardware Store less than three miles from the hotel.

On June 12, 2009, the Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce and Chief Judge Dave Lorenz will host a one hour Cook's Reception at the Holiday Inn Select (next door to the Hampton Inn). All cooks will be treated to an open bar and a complimentary happy hour buffet from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. There will be live entertainment by a local favorite, Ron Hassinger.
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On Saturday Morning all cooks will be served breakfast sandwiches and coffee during the Cook's Meeting at 8:00am. Each cook will receive a goody bag including a custom event apron. All cooks must have a 1A 10BC fire extinguisher. There will be two four compartment hand sinks and two pot washing stations in the cook's area. There will be no electricity available for the cooks. There will be ice available for the cooks if needed. All cooks flying in for the event will have complimentary access to an eight foot table and two chairs (please reserve them in advance to insure they are available on the day of the Chili Cook-Off).
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On Saturday evening, after the event, we plan to have a informal gathering of the cooks to celebrate the winners and to tell lies about each other. I'm thinking good food and beverage and a whole lot of laughs.
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Now you must ask yourself: why haven't I signed up for the 4th Annual Delaware Valley ICS Regional Chili Cook-Off, Concert and Festival?! You can do that right now by going to the website at www.delvalchilicookoff.com. I can be reached at the Chamber office at (856) 881-6560 or on my cell phone at (609) 352-1728.
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Thanks for your support!
Rhone Carr
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Murrieta Regional

May 9, 2009

Murrieta Chamber & The Chili and Brew Crew

Announce Southwest Riverside County's

First Food Competition and Tasting Event.

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"A Taste of……" event held in many counties and cities nationwide have been very popular events. The Old West Chili, Grub & Brew Roundup brings a number of events together with a western-themed food competition, the ever popular tasting event, and an International Chili Society (ICS) regional chili cook-off. Restaurants and caterers vie to win "Best of" in a number of food categories, while giving the public a chance to sample and buy their favorite foods. "People love to discover new places to get great food" says Carl Kravats, one of the event organizers and a local photographer known for his beautiful food photos.

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All food and soda pop vendors who participate in the competition are invited to sell any foods of their choosing in addition to those they have entered for competition. Beer vendors may offer any microbrew brands they desire. So there should be something for everyone's tastes.

The International Chili Society has ranked this as a regional competition that will take the winner to the International finals, so chili lovers will taste some of southern California's best red and green chili. Novices can participate in the People's Choice chili competition for fun and who knows; perhaps a new chili-making talent will emerge.

Other foods in the competition are: BBQ; Steak, Tri-tip & Brisket; Sausage; Fried & BBQ Chicken; Salsa & Guacamole; and Fruit Pie.

And food is not the only competition. A microbrew competition is taking place as well. So those attending will have a chance to taste and vote on some of the regions finest beers. "There's nothing like hand-crafted ale" says Bob Hagel, one of the organizers. Competition categories are lager, ale & stout.

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The Roundup has also created something new as well: An Old Fashion Soda Pop tasting and competition. Remember the great tasting flavors you had as a kid? They're back! "Fresh ingredients are one of the secrets to great soda pop" said Kurt Peck, the other event organizer. "I really miss that fresh taste of natural ingredients", Peck went on to say. Competition categories are: Root Beer, Cream, Sarsaparilla, & Unique Flavors.

The Old West Chili, Grub & Brew Roundup will also feature a country western music competition, local history education and lots of other fun entertainment. The event takes place on Saturday, May 9 from 11 AM to 5 PM at Town Square Park off of Kalmia Street in Murrieta. Entrance is free and taste tickets are $1 each.

Check out our Web Site:

http://www.chiliandbrew.com/

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MONDAY - Mar 16, 2009

Copper State Regional

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Valley of the Sun Regional

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Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15, 2009, the Arizona March Back to Backs were held at the Ahwatukee Swim and Tennis Club in Phoenix, AZ. You could not have asked for better weather as both days were bright and sunny with a very light breeze and temperatures in the low 80's. Contest Chairperson, Susan Hyden and her assistants, did an outstanding job of preparation so all events went smoothly. Dick and Nancy Swenberger were Chief Judge and Head Scorekeeper both days. They were assisted by their ever faithful friends Brett Kitani and Ken Brown who stepped right in to help where they were needed.

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The cookoffs were held on the grass of a beautiful Little League field. On Saturday, there were kiddie rides for the kids to enjoy while the adult spectators enjoyed the samples of chili. On Sunday, the Little League field was also the site of a local Farmer's Market which drew a large crowd to the chili cookoff as well and helped raise over $500 each day for the charities, the Ahwatukee Little League and the Ahwatukee Community Center.

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The judges did an outstanding job and were encouraging and helpful to the cooks by offering constructive comments for each and every cook. As you may know, cooks take the comments to heart in order to improve their chances on the road to qualifying for the World's Championship Cookoff next October. It is interesting to note that there were only 2 or 3 judges that judged both days. So there was quite a diverse group each day.

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Both days were regional qualifiers with the Copper State Regional on Saturday and the Valley of the Sun Regional on Sunday. There were cooks from California, Nevada, Colorado, Illinois, Nebraska and of course, Arizona. There were well-seasoned cooks as well as a few brand new cooks. It is always refreshing to see those who know the ropes of chili competition offering help to the new cooks to encourage them and help them get their feet wet in the ways of the chili world. There was a lot of friendly gesturing and challenging going on between the cooks who have been around a while. Of course, this was all done with the best of intentions, just to keep things lively and add to the excitement of each day.

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After much contemplation, the judge's decisions were made. The results were tallied and verified and the awards were announced. The results were:

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Copper State Regional – Saturday, March 14, 2009

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People's Choice -

Keo Lynch of AZ

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Salsa -

5^th Place – Susan Hyden of AZ

4^th Place – Nibs Waters of CA

3^rd Place – Pam Wright of AZ

2^nd Place – Bob Plager of CO

1^st Place – Dione Cooley of NV (This makes her Hat Trick)

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Chili Verde –

5^th Place – Michelle Summerville of AZ

4^th Place – Paul Whitney of AZ

3^rd Place – Dave Wright of AZ

2^nd Place – Keo Lynch of AZ

1^st Place – Nibs Waters of CA

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Red Chili –

5^th Place – Nibs Waters of CA

4^th Place – Larry Eastep of IL

3^rd Place – Paul Whitney of AZ

2^nd Place – Al Henry of CO

1^st Place – Skip Cooley of NV (This makes his Hat Trick)

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Valley of the Sun Regional – Sunday, March 15. 2009

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People's Choice – Andy Jerdee of AZ

Salsa –

5^th Place – Sarah Whitney of AZ

4^th Place – Susan Hyden of AZ

3^rd Place – Nibs Waters of CA

2^nd Place – Pam Wright of AZ

1^st Place – Bob Plager of CO

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Chili Verde –

5^th Place - Dave Wright of AZ

4^th Place – Leeroy Watson of AZ

3^rd Place – Pam Wright of AZ

2^nd Place – Greg Virant of NE

1^st Place – Paul Whitney of AZ

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Red Chili –

5^th Place (Unbroken Tie) Lynn Kost-Virant of NE

and Don Hammes of CA

4^th Place – Mike Ford of CA

3^rd Place – Bob Plager of CO

2^nd Place – Nibs Waters of CA

1^st Place – Al Henry of CO (This makes his Hat Trick)

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Oak Tree results

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People's choice

Tie for 2nd/3rd - Ron Harris and Steve Crawford - 25 pts

1st - Bill Ray- 26 pts

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Salsa

3rd - Armando Sanchez - 14 pts

2nd - Maggie Harris - 15 pts

1st - Sylvia Steinberg - 17 pts

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Verde

3rd - Ray Calderon = 12 pts

2nd - Geraldine Villapanto - 27 pts

1st - Jim Stoddard - 33 pts - HAT TRICK

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Red

5th Honorable Mention - Geraldine Villapanto

4th Honorable Mention - Armando Sanchez

3rd - Bill Ray - 16 pts

2nd - Steve Crawford 16 pts (won tie breaker)

1st - Barry Steinberg - 23 pts
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Dennis and Allene Macklin

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Fearless Fred & Crazy Cow Patti

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Happy Burro Chili & Beer will be opening for business on April 1st. This is NO Fools Joke! If you can come and join us on our opening day it would be great, we will however be having a more 'formal' Grand Opening at a later date that will fit in with the scheduled Chili Cook offs.

Oh and sorry Phil... no free beer or dogs for you!

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

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

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