Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024

Location: Crosstown Brewery, 1264 Concourse Ave

Load-in Time: 10:00 AM

Benefiting: Merge Memphis Operating Fund

Registration

Deadline: October 1, 2024 (email form)

Registration Fee Due: October 1, 2024 (use QR code)

No Team Fee if you are a sponsor!

Team Request: Merge would love to have each team raise at least $1,000.00 for our nonprofit! Bring the funds to the Chili Cook Off. Ideas: Facebook fundraisers are easy!

Competitions

• Chili – Red (prepare on site): 1st, 2nd, 3rd place, People’s Choice
• Team Spirit Award: Best decorated booth! Originality, chili incorporated theme, clean and organized cooking area

Teams To Bring, Tips, and Ideas

• You may bring your own water/Cokes etc. in a cooler.
• Start cooking when you get set up but after your inspection.
• 2-6ft tables (only one table if that’s all you need).
• No cooking water available.
• No electricity, no generators; bring your own cooking source (camping stove, propane cooker, etc.). No firewood flame.
• All cooking done at Chili Cook Off, inspection before cooking starts. You may prep ingredients at home.
• If you need “Extras” for your chili, don’t forget them. They will be put “on the side” during judging (e.g., cheese, sour cream, jalapeños).
• Any utensils you might need.
• Must wear gloves while cooking.
• Enough ingredients for 2 gallons of chili.
• Your team will have an ambassador that will stay close to your team site for any of your needs.
• You will receive your “turn in” cup at your captain meeting. DO NOT write on your cup!
• Emcee will announce chili to be turned in to judging area at 2:30 PM. DO NOT write on your cup!
• There will be a Cake Walk with some yummy cakes, pies, and cookies. $5.00 a walk.
• Invite friends to come and taste test for People’s Choice between 12:30 PM. Also invite them to the Cake Walks!
• Public Tasting: $20.00 / Cake Walk: $5.00 each walk.

Judging

Chili Judging:

• Scoring categories: Color, Taste, Aroma, Texture, Aftertaste
• Judges will pick 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place
• Winners (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) announced
• There will be cash and trophy prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in Chili
• Trophy for Team Spirit! 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place

Team Spirit Judging: 3:00 PM

Load/Clean Up

Time: 5:00 PM

We will provide:

• Trash cans between teams / trash bags
• Spoons/cups for taste testing
• Everything needed for judges