|
  Holy
Smokes
Chili Cookoff
Saturday, July 21st,
2007
Parker,
Colorado
1st Place
Green, 3rd Place Red, 1st Place Salsa
HOLY
SMOKES we've had a Chili Cookoff.
Hot, HOT and HOTTER
was the order of the day for the first annual Holy
Smokes Chili Cookoff held July 21st in Parker Colorado.
This
first annual event drew contestants from Wyoming,
Colorado, California and CASI’s own Alan and Susan Dean
represented Texas. There were also a lot of local
cooks trying their hand at chili for the first time.
With food vendors, kid’s activities, music, and a
craft fair, there was plenty to keep the crowd
entertained while the cooks tended their Chili Pots and
Salsa Bowls. Soon it was time for the Salsa to be
turned in. With almost as many Salsa entries as Chili
entries, the crowd was extremely pleased to have
something cool and refreshing on this day that peaked in
the high 90’s. But this was just the “warm up”. When
the Green Chili was turned in, the crowd went wild.
Except for a couple of restaurants that made 10 Gallons
of the southwest concoction, the majority of pots were
bone dry in only a few minutes.
The judges for this event were new to the world of chili
as well. They soon realized how special a Chili Cookoff
can be. This was evident with a judge from Norway who
had never tasted Chili in her life. Not only was she
hooked on the fiery brew, she promised that she would
return to the United States for next year’s event. She
was later seen collecting recipes and website addresses
so she could recreate her favorites at home in Norway.
Alan Dean entertained the Red Judges with anecdotes of
the chili world while they had the challenging task of
determining the winners.
When the crowd was full a hush fell over the event
site. And everyone knew, It was time to see who
today’s champion would be.
When the Cookoff organizers brought out beautiful hand
crafted bowls and platters as trophies for the top 3
positions in all categories, the cooks were all hoping
that they had given their creations just the right touch
to put them over the top.
Green Chili and Salsa were both won by Steve Lee of
Longmont.
The 2 Brothers Chili Team from Parker pulled down the
Showmanship win.
Steve Lee made his way to the stage again to pick up 3rd
place in the Red Chili Category.
The E.D. himself (Alan Dean) took down 2nd
place.
And finally, Amy Hardesty of Aurora Colorado took the
top honors for the day.
The event organizers would like to thank everyone who
supported this event, from the cooks and judges to the
very hungry public. They would also like to invite back
everyone for next year's event which they promise will
be bigger and better.
For a slideshow of this wonderful event, press on
the button below
|
