Welcome to the 

2007 Coyote Melon Festival

Chili Cook-off Rules

1. Entry fee for chili cook-off is $25 if submitted before Wed., Oct. 3. Entry fee after that fdate will be $30. Entry forms must be submitted by Friday, Oct. 5, 2007. 
2. This competition will be conducted according to the following rules:
   1. Chili may be prepared with any kind of meat or combination of meats, cooked with red and/or green chili peppers, various spices and other ingredients, with the exception of beans or pasta, which are strictly forbidden.
   2. There are no rules for the ingredients or preparation of salsa. It may be store bought, prepared at home ahead of time or prepared at the cook-off.
   3. No other ingredient may be pre-cooked in any way prior to the Cook-off, with the exception of canned or bottled tomatoes, tomato sauce, peppers, pepper sauce, beverages, and broth. Meat may be treated, pre-cut or ground. MEAT MAY NOT BE PRE-COOKED.
   4. Contestants must provide their own cooking apparatus, cooking fuel and ingredients.
   5. All contestants are required to have fire extinguishers.
   6. Contestants may set up on Friday, October 7. but food preparation may not begin before 9:AM on Saturday.
   7. A contestant’s meeting will be held at 8:AM Saturday during which final instructions will be given. Each contestant will be assigned a number by the head scorekeeper and be given an official 32 oz. container. Each contestant should verify that the number on the bottom of the cup is the same as their assigned contestant number. Each contestant is responsible for delivering their cup, which must be filled to the rim, to the judging area by the official time for judging.
   8. Each contestant must prepare a minimum of 4 quarts of chili in one pot, 2 quarts to submit for judging and 2 quarts to donate to Festival.
   9. The cooking period will be a maximum of 4 hours. Cooking will begin at 9:AM Saturday and will end at 1:PM. Judging will take place at 1:30. Contestants not ready for judging will be disqualified.
   10. Judges will vote for the chili they like best based on the following criteria: flavor, meat texture, consistency, aroma, and color.
   11. The decisions of the judges are final.
3. $200 cash prize and trophy will be awarded to first place.
4. Contestants will be permitted to sell their chili in compliance with State & local agencies
5. Electricity is extremely limited. Access requires prior arrangement. 
6. The sponsors of this event will not be liable for any event or contract failures whatsoever caused by weather, natural causes, acts of God, or any other conditions beyond the control of the sponsors, etc.

You may also e-mail Sandra@mojavedrums.com or download entry form here.

Site updated 4/27/08