Event Details

Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024

Location: Crosstown Brewery, 1264 Concourse Ave, Memphis, TN 38104

Load-in Time: 10:00 AM

Public Entrance Fee: $20.00 (12:30 PM – 3:30 PM)

Tickets: Available at 901tix.com

Awards Ceremony: 4:00 PM

Click for Registration

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

About Merge Memphis

Merge Memphis is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting underserved women in the Memphis area. Founded by Keith and Sherry McClure, Merge Memphis provides safe emergency shelter and housing, as well as wrap-around services to help women achieve self-sufficiency. Their programs include Clare’s House, Cleveland House, and the upcoming Home of Hope, offering everything from emergency shelter to permanent supportive housing.

Merge Memphis also addresses food insecurity through initiatives like the Little Free Pantries and a non-profit food truck. They have partnered with several organizations and businesses to further their mission, including Pinnacle Bank, Cricket Wireless, SouthPoint Church, and Juice Plus.

The impact of Merge Memphis is evident in the success stories of those they have helped. For example, Debra Ballard, a resident at Clare’s House, was homeless and living in her car before she found Merge Memphis. Now, she is on her way to becoming self-sufficient.

By supporting the Merge Memphis Chili Cook Off, you are helping to provide essential services to underserved women in the Memphis community. Your participation and donations can make a significant difference in the lives of those less fortunate.