Rules – Louisville Great Chili Cook-Off

Louisville’s Great Chili Cook-Off – Official Rules

Chili Cook-Off Rules

Greetings & Welcome!

Join Louisville’s annual Chili Cook-Off! Gather your beans, hot peppers, and spices as we turn NULU into chili heaven. This is your chance to prove that YOUR chili is the best in Louisville!

Date: October 12, 2025
Time: Noon – 6 PM (Rain or Shine)
Check-in: Sunday, October 12, between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Booth numbers will be provided after registration.
Entry Fee: $25 (includes one 10’x10’ exhibitor space and an official quart container for judging).

What’s Provided & What You Need

Each team will receive:

One 10’x10’ exhibitor space.
One official quart container for judges.

You must bring your own:

Cooking stove, grill, or pellet smoker (propane or Coleman fuel only). No open fires.
Preparation and serving tables.
Cooking pots, utensils, gloves, sample spoons/1oz cups, trash containers, extension cords, water, and coolers with ice.
Tent/backdrop (10’x10’), signage, tablecloths, and creative booth designs.

Health Considerations:

Three 5-gallon buckets & soap for cleaning.
Towels.
Cover your cooking space for inclement weather.

Event Guidelines

Spaces are first-come, first-served.
Registration is only confirmed upon payment.
Prepare your 1-quart container early for the judges.
Recommended amount: ~30 gallons of chili (but cook what you’re comfortable with).

Important:

Do not give out samples before noon (this can affect People’s Choice votes).
Booth setup begins at 7 AM sharp.
Standard booth size: 10’x10’. Larger setups require purchasing extra space.

Competition Rules & Regulations

No pre-cooking:
- Individual division: No pre-cooked chili before 8 AM on event day.
- Restaurant division: May pre-cook (must have health code-certified kitchens).
Ingredients may be pre-chopped, but pre-cooked meat = disqualification.
You may accept donations for chili but cannot sell beverages (disqualification if violated).
Allergy signage is recommended (teams are liable for ingredients used).
Overly spicy chili causing discomfort may lead to disqualification.
Chili must be ready for judging by 3:00 PM (entries accepted 2 PM – 3 PM only).

Judging Criteria

We follow ICS (International Chili Society) guidelines, which include:
1. Aroma – Inviting fragrance.
2. Consistency – Proper ratio of meat to liquid.
3. Color – Rich, vibrant reddish-brown color.
4. Taste – Balanced, well-blended flavors.
5. Aftertaste – Pleasant finish without bitterness.
Judging Process:
- Blind judging with assigned container numbers.
- Separate categories for restaurant and individual entries.
- Top 3 from each division announced at 5:30 PM (stage).

People’s Choice Award

$5 tokens for public voting (available until 5 PM).
Invite friends and family to vote!

Best Booth Design Contest

$100 cash prize for best-decorated booth.
Judging based on creativity, theme, and crowd interaction.
Themes: Patriotic, Tropical, Halloween, Southwestern, Corporate, Sports, Superhero, Rock Star, or “For the Love of Chili!”