Chilly Chili Cook-Off Rules

Chilly Chili & Cornbread Cook-Off Rules

General Overview

  • There is no fee to enter this event. We ask that each contestant sell at least 5 tickets to the event. The ticket purchase link will be sent to contestants in March. We also ask that you help promote this event. Graphics will be shared with contestants to share on their socials and a Facebook event will be created and shared.

  • The Preserve @ Chocorua has generously donated their venue for this event

  • A 50/50 raffle and prize raffle (or silent auction) will be held during this event. If you have something you would like to donate to the prize raffle, please let us know.

  • If entered in the Chocorua Chilly Chili Cook Off held on April 18th from 12:00-3:00p, you are required to prepare your chili recipe prior to the event. Access to electricity will be provided  at the event to keep your chili at the proper temperature until served. Crockpots and roasters are required and will not be supplied by event organizers.

  • For Chili Entries: Each participant is asked to supply roughly 3 gallons of chili for the event. There is no reimbursement for material costs and we thank you for your generosity and your time.

  • For Cornbread Entries: Each participant is asked to supply roughly a sheet pan of cornbread for the event. There is no reimbursement for material costs and we thank you for your generosity and your time.

  • All contestants agree to comply with in-home food safety guidelines as your chili will be served to the public. These guidelines can be found at https://www.fda.gov/consumers/free-publications-women/food-safety-home

  • Due to limited space we are only able to host a limited number of contestants. Slots will be on a first come first serve basis. Once at capacity any subsequent entries will be placed on a waiting list.

  • Deadline for entry is April 11th, 2026

Event Organizers will provide the following: 

  • Tables

  • Chairs

  • Gloves

  • Sampling cups, spoons, & napkins

  • Hand Sanitizer

  • Trash Cans

Contestants will supply their own: 

  • Warming Vessel (crockpot, roaster, etc)

  • Utensils to stir and serve your chili (3 oz samples will be served to the public)

Sanitation at Event: 

  • Hands must be washed and sanitized.

  • Rubber gloves are encouraged to be worn when serving chili.

  • Participants are encouraged to wear hats

Cooking Rules: 

  • All contestants are responsible for maintenance of the Chili’s proper temperature during the event.

  • Use your favorite recipe with or without meat, with or without beans.

  • Vegan or Vegetarian chili is accepted,

  • Ingredients must be provided to the library prior to the event so they can be posted during the event. This is due to food allergies. Ingredient lists can be emailed to [email protected] or dropped off in person. Deadline for the ingredient list is February 24th as well.

Voting and Prizes: 

  • Each contestant is asked to  name their Chili the more creative the better.

  • Each entry ticket will receive 3 voting tickets for Chili and 3 voting tickets for Cornbread which they will use to vote for their top 3 choices.

  • 1st place awards for each category

    • Kids under 16

    • Amateur

    • Professional

  • Prize for overall Grand Champion

Chili Cook Off Schedule 

  • Indoor Set up begins at 11:00 am. Chili must be ready to serve at 12:00pm

  • No Late Entries

  • 3:15 Winners announced.

  • Event Address: 88 Philbrick Neighbor Hood Road, Tamworth, NH 03886

  • Parking Available on site.