TERLINGUA INTERNATIONAL CHILI CHAMPIONSHIP
late October/early November, Terlingua, TexasThe Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI) raises money for charity through the promotion of American red chili. CASI sanctions over 500 chili cook offs internationally each year as qualifying events for the Terlingua International Chili Championship.
This grand spectacle is held the first Saturday of November each year at the society’s grounds in Terlingua, Texas.
CASI is a 501©(3) Non-Profit Charitable Corporation. It is governed by a diverse eleven member Board of Directors elected by local affiliate pods internationally. The Board of Directors oversees the sanctioning of local events that raise well over a million dollars annually for charity and an active scholarship program. It raises funds, conducts, and oversees the Terlingua International Chili Championship.
Each year on the first Saturday of November, CASI holds the ultimate celebration of Chili. This grandaddy of all chili cookoffs is held at Rancho CASI de los Chisos in Terlingua, Texas. Rancho CASI is located on the North side of Highway 170, eleven miles West of Study Butte and 7 miles East of Lajitas.
It's a Texas tradition of epic proportion – complete with an annual proclamation from the Governor declaring "Chili Appreciation Society International Day" in Texas!
The four day celebration begins each year on Wednesday before the big weekend, and culminates on Saturday with the Terlingua International Chili Championship©. The grounds officially open on the Wednesday and the gate admission, per person, for the entire event is $30. The gate admission for the first Saturday in November only, is $10 per person.
There are many activities planned and events for each of the "Official Days" of this celebration. On Wednesday, BBQ cooks arrive and prepare for competition. Thursday, the Lonestar BBQ sanction cookoff happens. It is sponsored by McCormick Distilling (Tequila Rose and Tarantula) and there is money for the winners. The BBQ includes chicken, ribs, and brisket. This event supports the CASI Scholarship Fund.
Friday is CASI Scholarship Day. There are 3 competitions for this event. These competitions include Hot Wings, Beans, and Salsa. This day is sponsored by Bruce Foods. Again on this day entry fees support the CASI Scholarship Program.
Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the celebration, the unique vendors, the rugged terrain surrounding the ranch, and .... of course .... the Chili! The first Saturday in November is the actual day of the TICC International Chili Championship Cookoff. The nightly stage entertainment starts on Thursday night and continues through Saturday night.
In order to compete in the championship you must have qualified and received an invitation. This requires cooks to earn points by placing in CASI sanctioned Chili Cookoffs. A cook earns 4 points for first place, 3 points for second, 2 points for third, and a point for fourth through tenth place. The total number of points required for qualification ranges from 6 points to 12 points and depends on the cook's state of residence.
More details about competing may be obtained from the Chili Appreciation Society International www.chili.org website, a CASI director or from any of the Pod Great Peppers.
You are cordially invited to join us in our quest to have fun while promoting chili and raising money for charitable causes.
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