Susan C.

johnnyd, Thank you for all the info. It comes at good time, especially all the wonderful pictures of a very successful competition! We are at a 'doubting point' wondering if we can pull this off and will the town participate. Your post has been a real boost for us. Susan C.

Fat Guy,Thanks for the advise about one-award-per-person and professional cooks. Susan C.

Hello snowangel, This chili cook-off is a fund raiser for our little museum in Libby, Montana. We have put up posters, ads in 3 newspapers and a radio spot. and on all the reader boards in town. We have 3 categories, chili with meat, no beans; chili with beans, with or without meat and the 'people's choice award'. The cook-off will take place on the Museum grounds (outside). We will be giving first, second and third place cash awards, except for the 'people's choice award'. That will be a custom designed apron. The reasoning behind this... the winner of this may well have already won a cash prize. We will have 5 judges. I don't know what the judging score card should look like or how to efficiently handle the public voting on their favorite chili. Any help you can give will be much appreciated. Susan C.

Heidih, Thank you for your reply. This chili cook-off is a fund-raiser for our little museum here in Libby, Montana. I need more information on the public tasting and voting, which we call 'the people's choice award' Were the contestents issued a number and did the number correspond with a numbered coupon. How many coupons in a book and what was the cost. Would it work to use the little cups like salad dressing is served in (souffle cups) and no spoon to cut down on waste? Just squeeze the contents into your mouth? How was the voting booth set up? Did you turn the complete book in at the voting booth? We will also have judged entries and I need help setting up the judging criterion. Susan C.