The 41st Annual Havelock Chili Festival will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023, in Walter B. Jones Park, downtown Havelock, NC. Event hours are Saturday 10am until 6pm. We are looking for the best amateur and professional chili cooks to battle it out for the 2023 title(s). Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting out, the best chili just comes down to taste.
We are now sanctioned by the International Chili Society (ICS). Details of our event can be found at ICS Chili, Inc. (chilicookoff.com)
and in our application below.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE COMPETITION
- The fee to enter the People’s Choice competition ONLY is $45. People’s Choice competitors do not have to be ICS members but must have a minimum of five (5) gallons of chili to serve. However, the more chili you have for tasting, the more visitors can taste your chili and vote for you to win!
- People’s Choice serving to the public will begin at 12pm and continue until 4pm or until you run out. Festival visitors will vote for their favorite chili via 1 ballot per wristband purchased.
- People’s Choice chili can be prepared off-site, heated the day of the festival and must be HOMESTYLE chili as defined by ICS - “Homestyle Chili is any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices and other ingredients. Homestyle chili may be any color. Beans are required. Preference is not given to either cut meat, ground meat, shredded meat or cubed meat. Seafood is allowed. You may garnish this chili however you like.”
- To compete in People’s Choice ONLY, download the application and email us at HavelockChiliCommittee@outlook.com. Payment for People’s Choice ONLY is available online at www.chilifestival.org on the Chili Cook Info page. A 4% Convenience Fee will apply. You may also mail or drop off application (see app for details.)
ICS COMPETITION
- There are four categories in the ICS competition: Traditional Red, Homestyle, Verde, and Salsa. Each category has its own entry fee. Traditional Red: $45, Homestyle: $35, Verde: $30 & Salsa: $20.
- Participation in the People’s Choice competition is required by all participants. The $45 People’s Choice entry fee is waived for ICS competitors. All cooks must provide at least five (5) gallons of Homestyle chili to be sold at the Havelock Chili Festival.
- All ICS Competition Chili must be prepared on-site. People’s Choice Homestyle chili and Salsa can be prepared off-site.
- ICS Competition chili will be judged by a blind taste test of judges in accordance with ICS rules.
- To compete in this year’s Chili Cook-off (Traditional Red, Verde, Homestyle or Salsa), please go to ICS Chili, Inc. (chilicookoff.com) and register. Payment for ICS Competition events will be collected on-site the day of the competition.
REQUIREMENTS/RULES FOR ALL COOKS
- Contestants must provide all necessary equipment to include tents, utensils, tables, cookers, a 5-lb fire extinguisher, and cleaning stations per Health Department regulations. Chili cooks may rent a 10x20 tent from the Havelock Chili Festival Committee for $50.
- Serving containers, spoons, and napkins will be provided by the Festival. Condiments are the responsibility of the contestant. A MANDATORY Cooks Meeting will be held at 8am Saturday morning, and initial issue of paper products will be made at that time.
- Tickets/wristbands for chili tasting will be sold by the Festival. NO MONEY WILL BE COLLECTED BY CONTESTANTS. Details for collecting tickets/accepting wristbands will be provided at the cooks meeting at 8am.
- Awards for ICS Competition Chili and People’s Choice will be presented on Saturday at 5pm.
- 10x20 Booth set-up can begin Friday evening from 4 to 8pm or Saturday at 6am. No security will be provided.
Further questions may be directed to HavelockChiliCommittee@outlook.com