From Janie Burruss:

The Purgatory Creek Pod Cook-off was a big success. We had 42 cooks on Saturday and 34 on Sunday at the Geronimo VFW Post. We wish to thank everyone that attended, cooked, judged, monitored, tallied, etc. Thanks to those that donated to the cook-off and silent auction. It is because of this generosity that the cook-offs will be able to make donations to the charities. Four cooks qualified during the two days and several others moved closed to this goal. The results for both cook-offs were posted previously, but we wanted to thank each and everyone for their contributions.

From Larry Burruss:

The U. S. National Open Chili Championship is quickly approaching. Your paid entry must be posted marked by August 1^st in order to receive the cook’s gift. We have ordered a COOL front for the weekend, so make your plans now to join us. It would be great to quailfy the top 5 cooks for TICC this year. Contact Larry Burruss at 512-353-8895 for more information.

From Jennifer Sherfield:

I still in need pictures for my video for the Great Peppers Meeting. I have lots of pictures from many Texas and New Mexico CCO, but would like more. I have NO pictures from any other states. Please help me. Send all pictures to jennifer.sherfield@yahoo.com.

<><>

From Chuck Dolan:

Bummer!!! Don't make plans to party at the Margarita grill while at the cook-off. Sadly I must report that the Homosassa landmark establishment burnt to the ground today. However, there are still some great places to go (The Freezer) so come on!! We''ll figure it out!!!!

Winners from the 13th Pines CCO:

Here are some pictures from this week's MO-KAN State CCO: