Plans for the 36th annual Mexican National Chili Cook-Off are on already on the burner and heating up fast. Lakeside’s biggest, boldest community charity event will be held February 14 through 16, set once again on the grounds of the Tobolandia waterpark.
Special twists on the 2014 program include the revival of the salsa competition and running the Chili and Margarita challenges as two-day events.
Friday, February 14 will feature side-by-side Salsa and Margarita contests, with ten competitors in each area. Saturday, February 15 is open for Margarita and Chili competitions, also with 10 slots in each category. Sunday, February 16 is set aside just for chili, with 10 contestants entering the fray.
The winners in all categories will be determined by the People’s Choice taster vote count. Those who wish to double their chances in the Chili and Margarita contests will be permitted to compete twice, taking the best score from the two days to count in their favor.Contestants are asked to register by January 21. Due to the number of last-minute cancellations and no shows that have occurred in recent years, payment of a 250-peso entry fee is required to reserve a spot. The fee will be refunded to Salsa and Chili cooks who show up and compete. There will be no refunds in the Margarita contests since the fee includes all the tequila needed to concoct a plentiful supply of the cocktail.
Whatever the category, competitors need to furnish enough of their finished culinary stuff to satisfy approximately 500 tasters. Cookoff organizers provide each day’s crowd of voters with tasting cups, spoons, napkins, palate cleansers and ballots.
Find more details at www.mexicannationalchilicookoff.com. For specific information about signing up as a cook-off volunteer or obtaining exhibition space on the fair grounds, send email requests to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (cel) 333-398-8868.