The 17th Annual Chilifest Contestant Guidelines 2024
(Sponsored by the Henry Hudson Tri-District Education Foundation)
Thank you for entering this year’s Chilifest. For those of you who are new to the contest, it is a great way to show off your skills and have a great time. For those of you entering again, BRING IT ON!
Here are some things to know:
Arrive No later than 4:15 p.m. with your chili hot up to 135 degrees.
1. DROP OFF: When you arrive at the Charles J Hesse Parish Center at 55 South Street in Atlantic Highlands, please walk (or drive) around the building to the back entrance on West Highland Ave to sign in and drop off your chili. You'll be asked to fill out a card that lets people know what kind of chili you prepared, whether or not it is excessively hot for example. Please list if you have peanuts in your chili or other ingredients that are associated with allergies.
2. There are several different categories for prizes, so don’t think you have to adhere to the standard “Texas” rules. Cook with your heart and cook what you like. We have yet to have a chili go uneaten. Please prepare enough chili to fill a large chaffing dish 20 x 12 by 3” high. This year we are expecting record crowds so we want to make sure everyone gets a chance to taste your chili and Vote on it!
3. Your chili will be served out of chafing dishes over sternos. Please bring it HOT (the Health Department wants it to be 135 degrees F!) and we will take care of it from there. Please note, all pots need to be returned to your car or home after the chili has been put into the chafing dishes. NO pots will be allowed to be placed under the table. Please note that utensils will be thrown out. So bring old ones or take them home at the end of the event.
4. Please bring a disposable plastic serving spoon with your chili. All spoons will be thrown out at the end of the evening. If you chose to use a good spoon, it is your responsibility to put it back in your car.
5. The judging starts before 5:00 p.m, so if you are entering a chili, please bring your chili no later than 4:15 p.m.
6. We ask that you not camp out next to your chili. People need to move around.
7. Side dishes- Please bring all side dishes in disposable containers and serving utensils.
8. Chilis will start being accepted at 3:45PM.
9. We are asking that people do not drive to the event; so many people will have to drop their chili off and go home to get the family and friends. We cannot stress the importance of avoiding driving if at all possible.
Any questions, feel free to contact Emily Tidswell at 732-939-3544.
Thank you again for participating! And good luck!
(Sponsored by the Henry Hudson Tri-District Education Foundation)
Thank you for entering this year’s Chilifest. For those of you who are new to the contest, it is a great way to show off your skills and have a great time. For those of you entering again, BRING IT ON!
Here are some things to know:
Arrive No later than 4:15 p.m. with your chili hot up to 135 degrees.
1. DROP OFF: When you arrive at the Charles J Hesse Parish Center at 55 South Street in Atlantic Highlands, please walk (or drive) around the building to the back entrance on West Highland Ave to sign in and drop off your chili. You'll be asked to fill out a card that lets people know what kind of chili you prepared, whether or not it is excessively hot for example. Please list if you have peanuts in your chili or other ingredients that are associated with allergies.
2. There are several different categories for prizes, so don’t think you have to adhere to the standard “Texas” rules. Cook with your heart and cook what you like. We have yet to have a chili go uneaten. Please prepare enough chili to fill a large chaffing dish 20 x 12 by 3” high. This year we are expecting record crowds so we want to make sure everyone gets a chance to taste your chili and Vote on it!
3. Your chili will be served out of chafing dishes over sternos. Please bring it HOT (the Health Department wants it to be 135 degrees F!) and we will take care of it from there. Please note, all pots need to be returned to your car or home after the chili has been put into the chafing dishes. NO pots will be allowed to be placed under the table. Please note that utensils will be thrown out. So bring old ones or take them home at the end of the event.
4. Please bring a disposable plastic serving spoon with your chili. All spoons will be thrown out at the end of the evening. If you chose to use a good spoon, it is your responsibility to put it back in your car.
5. The judging starts before 5:00 p.m, so if you are entering a chili, please bring your chili no later than 4:15 p.m.
6. We ask that you not camp out next to your chili. People need to move around.
7. Side dishes- Please bring all side dishes in disposable containers and serving utensils.
8. Chilis will start being accepted at 3:45PM.
9. We are asking that people do not drive to the event; so many people will have to drop their chili off and go home to get the family and friends. We cannot stress the importance of avoiding driving if at all possible.
Any questions, feel free to contact Emily Tidswell at 732-939-3544.
Thank you again for participating! And good luck!