Cindi-
Thanks for sharing. Your event sounds fabulous and we love that you keep the focus on community rather than fundraising!

~Lisa

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We've been holding a Chili Cookoff and Apple Pie Bake Off for 7 years now I think. We hold ours in October. We don't do ours as a fundraiser although we do put out a container for free will offerings. We are a Preschool -8th grade school with 115 students. Last year we had 20 chili's and 13 pies entered for bragging rights. The PTO provides toppings like cheese, onions, sour cream, hot dogs, etc. We also have a pumpkin carving contest and carnival games. This is an event our students look forward too and talk about for months afterward.

Hello! We have held a Chili cookoff for the last two years. Last year was a Western Theme and we did buy items at Oriental Trading for decorating. Each Chili vendor also came dressed up.

This year we are going with a "Hunter's Theme". One thing we found out is that not a lot of the kids liked chili so we are going to do a kids buffet this year. Serve mac & cheese, jello fingers, and maybe pizza sticks.

We gave awards to the hottest chili, most original chili, best chili, best veggitiarian chili and best chicken chili. A good way to do inexpensive awards is to go to restaurant(.com) and buy dinner gift certificates from there to give away. Right they are running discounts you can get a $25 gift certificate for $2 with promo code GOBBLE.

Good Luck!

Hi Emily-
I re-posted your question over on our Facebook page and there a few responses. If you'd like me to copy the responses over here just let me know.
~Lisa


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When I think Chili cook-off, I think western/rodeo... I am from Texas ! I like the peppers idea, you could also use bandanas, possibly have a hay ride.

I tend to always check Oriental Trading Company for decorations and ideas. If you decide to add a western theme, there was a Ranch/Western VBS theme last summer... they may have some things on sale.

Hope this helps and Best Wishes !

Our St. Peter's Lutheran PTL will be hosting our First Annual Chili Cookoff in January 2011 and my mind is already reeling with ideas. Can I please get your opinion on a few details?

We'll be asking parents to enter and will be charging an entry fee (probably $5 - which will allow them to eat that evening as well).
Prices: $2 per person or $10 flat rate for families of 5 or more
In addition to chili, we'll be offering:
Cornbread/rolls (donated by Ladies Aid from church)
Desserts (donated/purchased)
Chili Toppers (sour cream, shredded cheese, oyster crackers, etc.)
Gourmet PB&J Bar (for the kiddos/picky eaters)
*I'm thinking several bread options, peanut butter, almond butter, nutella, jams/jellies, bananas, honey, marshmallow creme.
We're also planning to have Family-oriented games (such as Farkle, UNO, etc.) available at each table, to encourage families to stay, play and eat.
This event will be hosted in the gym and I think we're going to decorate with Chili Peppers (christmas lights, plastic peppers, etc.) but would like some other decorating ideas since it is a large space. Any suggestions?
Also, do you think that we should offer a discount on the admission if families bring canned good donations (such as beans, tomatoes and other chili-related items)? I don't want to have this be too chaotic, but want the event to offer fun, fellowship, good food and support our Christian ethics.
Thank you for opinions!
Emily Campbell
PTL President
St. Peter's Lutheran School
Fort Wayne, IN