Charity, cooking and chili all combine for a one-of-a-kind Baton Rouge weekend at the International Chili Society’s cook-off, Chili for Children on March 12 – 13. One-hundred percent of the proceeds will go to Our Lady of the Lake children’s hospital.
The cook-off, in conjunction with the LSU Spring Garden Show, is taking place in front of the University’s Parker Coliseum.
Each day, 60-70 teams will compete. Most teams have two people — a head and a helper, but some are solo.
“It’s definitely a lot of work,” event coordinator and co-chairman Jason Blevins said. “It takes several months of planning and organization.”
Blevins took over planning three years ago after winning the cook-off in 2011. He said there are fewer than 10 people on the committee, all of whom are volunteers.
People are encouraged to buy tasting tickets to taste the chili and vote for their favorite. For every five dollars, customers receive six tasting tickets and one vote for the People’s Choice Award.
The International Chili Society also offers first, second and third place awards in Traditional Red Chili, Chili Verde and Salsa categories.
The entry fees vary per category. In the Traditional Red Chili category, members can enter for $40 and non-members for $90.The entry fee in the Chili Verde category is $30 for members and in the Salsa category, $20.
First, second and third place winners in the Traditional Red Chili competition will win $500, $200 and $100 respectively. In the Chili Verde category, winners are awarded $250, $100 and $50. The Salsa category winners are awarded $100, $50 and $25. The winners will go on to compete at the world championship.
Those who sign up for all three categories receive a $10 discount.
The event also offers live bands and a vendor village with food, drinks and shops. On Sunday, a car show will be held during the event.
“We want everyone to come out and have a good time,” Blevins said.
Thirteen different states and three countries — United States, Canada and Mexico— are all being represented in the competition.
There is also a local division comprised of Louisiana chefs only. There are several spots remaining in this category. Participants are not only encouraged, but needed.
Blevins said he is looking forward to raising money for the children’s hospital. He hopes people recognize the importance of supporting Our Lady of the Lake.
“They treat over 100,000 children over a year, whether they have the ability to pay or not,” Blevins said. “That’s the main reason I’m involved. This is really important to me and I think it’s great.”
Volunteer judges are needed, as are more participants. If interested, contestants can contact the organizers on the Louisiana Chili Cook-off website or Facebook.