Official Rules TU Chili Cook-Off

1. ONE PERSON SHALL BE THE CONTACT FOR THE TEAM, AND SHALL BE PRESENT FOR THE SITE SELECTION, COOK’S MEETING AND RECEIVING CRITICAL INFORMATION, TEAM MEMBER IDENTIFICATION AND ITEMS FROM TROUT UNLIMITED.

2. Only Cooks, Team members/paid guests, Sponsors and their guests, and TU Volunteers will be allowed in the Park on Friday night after 8:00 PM until the gates open to the general public.

3. Each team is allowed up to four members for the registration fee. Additional team members/guests may be added for $5.00 per person, and only the team leader may purchase armbands for extra guests. TU WILL FURNISH ARM BANDS OR OTHER IDENTIFICATION TO EACH TEAM MEMBER/PAID GUEST. WE MUST HAVE THE NAMES FOR EACH TEAM MEMBER/PAID GUEST DURING THE SITE SELECTION PROCESS. Team leaders are responsible insuring all team member/guests have an arm band or identification furnished by Trout Unlimited.

4. To minimize problems with team members arriving at separate times, team leaders can use the manned WILL CALL box at the main gate. Team member/paid guest names and armbands purchased by the team leader should be given to the Will Call TU representative at the main gate. The Will Call process will shut down at Midnight Friday night, and will not be available again until Saturday morning at 6:00AM. Anyone without an armband must leave the park at 8:00PM Friday night.

5. Cooks’ Meeting will be at 8:00AM Saturday. THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE TEAM       MUST BE PRESENT.

6. Teams must produce a minimum of 5 gallons of chili. 10 gallons is highly recommended.

7. Chili must begin with raw, uncooked meat. Cookoff officials must inspect the cook site and verify that teams are starting with raw meat before the OK is given to begin cooking. Teams may begin cooking anytime after inspection is completed, including Friday.

8. Teams may only have one chili recipe for judging per registration fee. Teams producing more than one chili recipe cannot combine Peoples’ Choice ballots. Side dishes and/or garnishes are permissible (crackers, cheese, cornbread, etc).

9. Teams must supply all necessities to produce chili (cooking equipment, utensils, ingredients, tables, chairs, etc.). Trout Unlimited will supply each team with tasting cups for the public and containers for judging. A pitcher for pouring chili into the sample cups is recommended.

10. Each team will receive one complimentary apron, and one official Chili Cookoff Flag for their registration fee, distributed on the day of the cookoff. Teams will also receive two complimentary T-shirts. Additional T-shirts will be available for purchase during the event.

11. Teams may begin setting up in the cook areas as early as 8:00AM on Friday, Oct. 10, and must be completely set up by 9:00am on Saturday. Oct. 11. Oversize vehicles will be placed on the perimeter areas. (Those which take up more than one 20’ by 20’ cook site. Please note extra fees for oversized vehicles).

12. Vehicles will not be allowed in the cooking area between 9:00am and until the last award is given. PLEASE USE CAUTION.

13. Gates will open to the public at 10:30AM Saturday. Chili should be ready to serve by 11:00AM. Judges Sample: Quart containers of chili for judges will be picked up at 11:00am. Judging should be finished by 2:00PM Saturday. Presentation of awards for “Judges’ Choice”, “People’s Choice” and “Cooks Choice” best chili awards will follow.

14. Distribution or display of advertisements, brochures, or products will be restricted to our sponsors and cook team participants.

15. Sponsors for individual cooking teams shall confine their advertising and any distribution of products, handouts, etc. to their team’s cook area. Advertisements may not be higher than 10 feet; this is waived for our sponsors. Distribution of products in direct competition with our sponsors is not allowed.

16. Ridge Ferry Park is a public area, therefore all local, slate and federal laws concerning alcoholic beverages apply. RIDGE FERRY PARK RULES MUST BE FOLLOWED, INCLUDING COOK SITE CLEANUP. Please see the Ridge Ferry Park Rules. http://www.coosavalleytu.org/TU_CHILI_COOKOFF/CCO_Park_Rules/cco_park_rules.html

17. Pets and glass beverage containers will not be allowed in the Park for the Chili Cookoff.

18. All cook team members/paid guests should be in the park before 9:00AM Saturday. Although the gate does not open until 10:30, we will be charging for entry beginning at site selection.

19. NO GLASS BOTTLES WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE PARK.

20. CVCTU reserves the right to reject team themes and handouts.

Rules are subject to change without notice, up to the morning of the cookoff