It's almost May 1 and if you are going to enter the Poster Contest, you need to get your entries into me.  If you have questions, you can contact me either by email (garjans@suddenlink.net) or call me (Home - 325 947 8753; Cell - 325 650 1854).  Looking forward to hearing from several of you!


From Lee Kroencke:

The Pods of Kansas would like to extend a tip of the hat and big "Thank You" to our reigning Terlingua International Chili Cookoff champion Larry Walton.  Larry traveled to Kansas City this past weekend to participate in the Kansas State Open State Championship held at Outlaw Cigar in Overland Park, Kansas.  In the form of a true champion, Larry was met by enthusiastic chili cooks and fans.  He is an excellent ambassador for CASI and we are all very proud of him.

Traveling with Jim Ezell, CASI Sponsorship Director; Roger Foltz, CASI Director/Secretary; Roy Houston, of Wichita Falls, TX; and David Livingston, of Austin, TX, Larry met our sponsors at McCormick's Distillery storefront in Weston, Missouri, and of course met Outlaw Cigar owner Kendall Culbertson at both Outlaw Cigar locations.

As for the cookoff, it was a huge success, and cooks and the public alike are all talking about meeting the champion and learning much more about CASI. Several people joined local Pods for the first time, and they are ready to start cooking next weekend!

Larry and Roger both finished in the top 10, and Shawnee Mission, Kansas, local cook Rudy Lintner became the 2012 Kansas State Chili Champion. Congratulations Rudy!

Once again, thank you Larry Walton, and thank you CASI. Well done.

From Larry (Doc) Kinnison:

HOWDY.....HOWDY FOLKS!   Whose going to be the 41st champion and take the "HOWDY-ROO" traveling apron and traveling $$ for 1st place chili and 1st place show?  The "HOWDY-ROO" Regional CCO qualified the top 5 chilies and 1st place show last year. So make your plans today to come JOIN THE FUN in Beautiful Marble Falls, TX for "HOWDY-ROO" on Saturday May 5th and The Highland Lakes Pod Backbone Creek CCO on Sunday May 6h. 

Plenty of RV parking (NO HOOKUPS) and space for day cookers. 

Don't forget on Saturday we also have Lonestar Jackpot Beans and Lonestar BBQ State Championship contact Johnny Campbell 830-613-9471 or 5-cbbq@netv.com for more information concerning the BBQ. 

For chili information please contact Doc at 830-613-8666 or Carrie at 281-615-2408. 

If you plan to play golf on Friday, please let Doc know ASP. All golfers check in at Doc's camp by 11:30 a.m. TEE TIME IS 1 p.m.!

 

 

 

From Houston Pod Saturday CCO:

87 cooks 81 turned in - 29 beans

1.  Maxine Reed
2. Nancy Draper
3. Dana Plocheck

4. Joe Trigo
5. Don Gill Q
6. Doris Greenlee
7. Lewis Garrett
8. Tom Dozier
9. Lil Drake
10 Debbie Ashman

Beans
1. Larry Russell

2. Nigel Delgado
3. Rolland Pate

Show
1. Kathryn Cavender
2. Birker Trash
3. Lewis Garrett

Bob Coates:
Just a reminder that if you plan to cook outside of the United States, do not forget to take your PassPort!  It is not hard to get out of the United States, but without your PassPort It is hard to get back into the United States!

From Lee Kroencke:

Here's how Jeff Bolton of Smoke Shop Magazine describes an Outlaw Cigar event.

" Outlaw events and parties are major productions and usually feature some combination of cigar royalty, live music, special events, great food, and adult beverages. Yet, somehow that doesn’t describe these parties accurately. They are more of a happening where one time you might see hundreds of good looking women trying out for the Outlaw’s annual glossy calendar, combined with a collection of hot steeds from the local Porsche club, combined with an Apache helicopter that the military friends of Outlaw’s have flown in just for the party….you get the idea. They are loud and wild. Kegs float. Choppers roar. And men are men. Outlaw veterans fly in from across the country and won’t miss the parties for their own anniversaries. But it’s the statistics that truly define the scope of the Outlaw parties. There are somewhere between 800–1,200 people at each event"

From Joe Braden:

The 41st annual Houston Pod cookoff is here. Saturday April 28 and Sunday April 29 at Traders Village. Join us for chili, charity and fun while we raise funds for the Hal John - Judy Wimberly Scholarship Fund and the Santa Maria House for female veterans. More info at HoustonPod.org.

 

Saturday
8 am - Kick Start breakfast with made to order omlets by Mayo and Matt
10 am - Cook and Showmanship meeting
Noon - Jackpot beans turn in (100% payout)
1 pm - Uncle Ronnie Junior Chili Championship turn- in.
2 pm - 41st HOUSTON POD CHILI CHAMPIONSHIP turn- in.
2:30 pm - Showmanship
5:30 pm - Winners are announced and seated in their CAMO chairs.
6 pm - Cook's pot luck party featuring music by Nigel "Taco" Delgado

Sunday
9 am - Breakfast Casserole-off turn in and judging.
9:15 - Cook's breakfast immediately following judging.
10 am - Cook and Showmanship meeting.
11 am - Showmanship
1 pm - CASI chili turn-in.
3 pm - Announcements.

 

 

 

From Kim and Kelly Draper:

The No Adult Supervision BBQ/Chili Cookoff in Tahoka is cancelled this year.

Kim & Kelly Draper

From Bruce Stewarr:

Here is another close cookoff for a chance to win ya some points!

Apr 28, 2012-010 - Weatherford TX CASI. Central Community VFD Located at 4100 Old Agnes Road. CASI entry fee $20.00, turn in time 2:00PM. Ground Meat Only. Benefits Central Community VFD. Contact Jason Williams 198 Stanley Ln, Poolville, TX 76487; 817-475-5770; 817-360-6525; jwilliamsvfd55@gmail.com,     From Kay Lefler: Karem Shrine CCO is coming up this weekend. Come join us at 400 Karem Circle on 185 between Hwy 6 and China Springs TX. Notice to RVers – plenty of parking room for RVs but please come prepared to use a generator as hookups are limited. Chili turn in at 2 pm and bean turn in at noon. Friday evening all you can eat catfish supper $8.50 and breakfast will be served Saturday morning – donations accepted. There will also be a 50/50 raffle, bake sale and silent auction. Contact Randy 254-405-4333 randyduke37@yahoo.com or Angie Duke 254-405-4334 angdu2@yahoo.com. Cookoff on Sunday also – turn in at 1 pm.   NOTE:  The Poster Contest is coming to a close.  Please get in your submission by May 1.   Have a Great Weekend.

From Ken Rodd:
Diana McMillan has been diagnosed with throat cancer.  She has started the first of her 28 chemotherapy treatments. I talked with her Wednesday night and she is VERY upbeat that her treatments will be successful as the cancer is localized in a small area. Please keep Diana in your prayers. Her home phone number is 830-875-9675. Address is: P.O. Box 654, Lockhart, TX 78644. Lets keep her cheered up. She will keep me informed as to her progress.

From Joe Braden:

The 41st annual Houston Pod cookoff is here. Saturday April 28 and Sunday April 29 at Traders Village. Join us for chili, charity and fun while we raise funds for the Hal John - Judy Wimberly Scholarship Fund and the Santa Maria House for female veterans. More info at HoustonPod.org.

Saturday 8 am - Kick Start breakfast with made to order omlets by Mayo and Matt 10 am - Cook and Showmanship meeting Noon - Jackpot beans turn in (100% payout) 1 pm - Uncle Ronnie Junior Chili Championship turn- in.2 pm - 41st HOUSTON POD CHILI CHAMPIONSHIP turn- in. 2:30 pm - Showmanship 5:30 pm - Winners are announced and seated in their CAMO chairs. 6 pm - Cook's pot luck party featuring music by Nigel "Taco" Delgado Sunday 9 am - Breakfast Casserole-off turn in and judging. 9:15 - Cook's breakfast immediately following judging. 10 am - Cook and Showmanship meeting. 11 am - Showmanship 1 pm - CASI chili turn-in. 3 pm - Announcements.   From Bruce Stewart: If you're not going to Houston, LJT, or Corsicana, here is another close cookoff for a chance to win ya some points! FM 51 north from Weatherford approximately 5 miles. Turn left on Old Agnes Rd. It takes some twists and turns, it is a county road, but stay on it 5 1/2 to 6 miles. The VFD, Central Baptist Church and Central Cemetary are on your right. Tents will be set up in a pasture on your left. You will be at 3 way intersection. You will see us. The firetrucks should be sitting out also. If you need to call, you can call my cell at 817-475-5770 or call the station at 817-597-0818 Thanks, see ya Saturday.  Jason Williams Apr 28, 2012-010 - Weatherford TX CASI. Central Community VFD Located at 4100 Old Agnes Road. CASI entry fee $20.00, turn in time 2:00PM. Ground Meat Only. Benefits Central Community VFD. Contact Jason Williams 198 Stanley Ln, Poolville, TX 76487; 817-475-5770; 817-360-6525; jwilliamsvfd55@gmail.com From Larry (Doc) Kinnison: From Tonya Jester: Corrected Three-I flyer attached. The address for Gary Christensen listed on the previous flyer was wrong. It should be 3216 Iris Ave NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405. It is Wednesday and here are the CCOs for this weekend! Apr 28, 2012-001 - Houston, TX CASI. 41st Annual Houston Pod CCO Located at Traders Village, 7979 N. Eldridge Parkway, Houston, TX 77041. Charity: Hal John and Judy Wimberly Memorial Scholarship in Journalism at UT Austin. Join us for our Kick-Start "Made-to- Order" Omelet Breakfast 8am- 10am. Jackpot Beans, $10 entry, Turn-in at Noon. 9th Annual Ron Charlton Memorial Junior CCO, $5 entry, Turn-in 1pm (each Junior cook will be supplied with 2lbs of chili grind meat). CASI Chili, $20 entry, Turn-in 2 pm. Frito Pie and Chili Sales. Raffles. Saturday night Pot Luck Dinner and music by Nigel "Taco" Delgado. For more info, contact Joe Braden at joe@fadedlovechili.com  or 713.582.2278. Stay for the HP Day After CCO on Sunday. Apr 28, 2012-002 - Stephenville, TX CASI. Larry Joe Taylor's 24th Annual Texas Music Festival and Chili Cookoff at Melody Mountain Ranch, Stephenville, TX. CASI rules apply. Trophies for top 10 chilis and top 3 show. Cooks meeting 9:00 am Saturday in Admin building. Jackpot beans turn in at 12:00 pm Saturday; chili turn in is 2:00 pm Saturday. Benefits Cross Timbers Emergency Response Team. Primitive camping $24/night. Entry fee included with festival pass: Advance TX per person $58 - 4 Day Pass (Wed-Sat); $45- 3 Day Pass (Thur-Sat); $35 - 2 Day Pass (Fri & Sat only); $20 - 1 Day Pass (Sat only). Credit cards accepted for advance tickets only. Advance Ticket request must be received by April 10, payable to Larry Joe Taylor, 4217 CR 423, Stephenville, TX 76401. Phone credit card orders accepted thru April 15. Call 254-968-8505 Order at www.larryjoetaylor.com, or email office@larryjoetaylor.com  Gate prices slightly higher. Apr 28, 2012-003 - Marion, IA CASI. Swing into Spring CCO Located at Cocktails and Company, 1625 Blairs Ferry Rd, Marion, IA 52302. Benefits CASI Scholarship Fund. Turn in 1PM. Entry fee $20. Salsa $5. Make checks payable to Iowa Chili Pod. Contact Gary Christensen, 319-721-1580 or chiliman1955@yahoo.com Apr 28, 2012-004 - Overland Park, KS CASI. Outlaw Cigar Kansas State Open CCO Located at 13700 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS The Outlaw Cigar Kansas State Open CCO is a TICC auto qualifier. Entry fee $20. Chili Grind Only. Turn-in 1PM. Home Style entry fee $20, turn in 2:00 PM. Enjoy the Outlaw Cigar Widow Maker Tour party 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM with Jaime and Janny Garcia of My Father Cigars. If you only cook once a year in Kansas, this is the one. Additional information to follow. Contact Lee Kroencke at gladiatorchili@yahoo.com or Larry Velasquez at larry.velasquez@forbo.com Apr 28, 2012-005 - Hereford, TX CASI. DSCCC Spring CCO Elks Lodge #2269, 325 E. Austin Road, Hereford, TX 79045. The Deaf Smith County Crisis Center Spring Chili Cookoff will be held at the Elks Lodge #2269 in Hereford, TX. Entry fee is $25.00 and Turn in is at 2:00 P.M. Chili Grind Only. Directions to the cook off; Take US Highway 60 to Hereford, follow US 60 to the light at Main Street and turn South onto Main Street and follow Main Street to the Stop Sign and turn Left onto Austin Rd. The Elks Lodge will be on the Northside of Austin Rd. Please bring "Handout Chili" for the public. Doors open to the Public at Noon for the Public. For more information please contact Matthew Cox 806-570-0023 maco5967@hotmail.com or Jody Branum 806-364-2727. Apr 28, 2012-006 - Waco, TX CASI. Karem Shrine CCO Located at 400 Karem Circle on 185 between Hwy 6 and China Springs, TX. Chili Grind Only. Entry fee $18 turn in 2 PM. Bean turn in 12 noon. Plenty of RV parking limited hook ups. Fri evening all you can eat catfish supper $8.50. 50/50 raffle, bake sale, silent auction. Breakfast served Sat morning, donations accepted. Benefits Karem Camp. Contact Randy 254-405-4333 randyduke37@yahoo.com or Angie Duke 254-405-4334 angdu2@yahoo.com. Apr 28, 2012-007 - Sierra Vista, AZ CASI. Pauls Pub Chuck Dugan Memorial CCO Located at 1805 Paseo San Luis, behind Pauls Pub. CASI sanctioned. Charity is Just for Kids, Inc. Turn-in 1 p.m. Entry fee $15. Checks payable to HDP. RV's welcome, cook where you camp. Potluck party the night before, burgers and dogs provided. For information contact Greg Monger,4930 Marconi Drive, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635. 520-417- 9948 mongo9@cox.net. Apr 28, 2012-008 - Odessa, TX CASI. Corky's 2nd Annual Cookin' 4 Cause This cook off will be Corky's 2nd Annual Cookin' 4 a Cause held at Corky's Bar and Grill at 6705 Andrews HWY.  The Chili entry fee $20.00 turn 2:00 PM. CHILI GRIND ONLY. Benefits Multiple Sclerosis. BBQ CookOff which includes Chicken, Ribs and Brisket. For more information contact Randy Elam at 432-362- 3232 or Dedi Rountree at 432-230- 5482. Apr 28, 2012-009 - Corsicana, TX CASI. 37th Annual Derrick Days Cookoff Located at the intersection of West 2nd Ave and N Commerce in Corsicana, TX. Please join us for the 37th annual Derrick Days cookoff. This is an all day event featuring downtown Corsicana with activities, and marketplace and food vendors. Cooks will be entering brisket, beans, and CASI CHILI! Chili Grind only! Entry fee is $15 for one category, $25 for two, or $30 to enter all three categories. Turn in times are beans-12:00, chili-1:00, and brisket-2:00. Awards presentation will follow immediately after brisket judging. Make checks payable to Corsicana Visitor Center. Please contact Andy Williams for any additional information at 903-851-7360 or andywilliams1979@gmail.com. Apr 28, 2012-010 - Weatherford, TX CASI. Central Community VFD Located at 4100 Old Agnes Road. CASI entry fee $20.00, turn in time 2:00PM. Ground Meat Only. Benefits Central Community VFD. Contact Jason Williams 198 Stanley Ln, Poolville, TX 76487; 817-475-5770; 817-360-6525; jwilliamsvfd55@gmail.com. Apr 29, 2012-001 - Houston, TX CASI. Day After Houston Pod Chili Cookoff Located at Traders Village, 7979 N. Eldridge Parkway, Houston, TX 77041. Charity: Santa Maria Hostel for Female Veterans. Breakfast Casserole-off, Whole Casserole entry, Turn-in 9 am. CASI Chili, $20 entry, Turn-in 1 pm. Frito Pie & Chili Sales. For more info, contact Joe Braden at joe@fadedlovechili.com or 713.582.2278. Apr 29, 2012-002 - Waco, TX CASI. Karem Shrine Next Day CCO Waco, TX Second day of two day event. See Karem Shrine April 28. Chili grind only. Entry fee $18 turn in 1PM. Benefits Karem Tumbleweeds. Contact Randy Duke 254-405-4333 randyduke37@yahoo.com or Angie Duke 254-405-4334 angdu2@yahoo.com.

From Lee Kroencke:

Here is an update regarding the cookoff at Outlaw Cigar this weekend, April 28th. This is an auto qualifier, and the Kansas State Open Chili Championship.

 

1. Bring your extra throw down chili. Plan on making a separate pot of chili for the public, and there will be plenty of public to feed. (see below)

 

2. Bring your canopy. Each canopy will be set up 12 feet apart, so bring weights and/or stakes to hold your canopy down in the wind. You will not be allowed to tie down to each other's canopy and need this space by order of the Overland Park Fire dept.

3. Parking is available just to the North of Outlaw Cigar at the BBQ parking lot. Campers are welcome, but there are no hook ups. Please let us know if you are bringing a camper so we can communicate an approximate number.

Chili Charity Fun and more fun!

Out of town cooks consider staying at the Hawthorn Suites, 11400 College Boulevard, Overland Park, KS 66210 US
Phone:1-913-344-8100

Ask for Robin in sales and tell her you are with CASI CHILI

 

 From Larry (Doc) Kinnison:

HOWDY FOLKS.....It's "HOWDY-ROO" time in Beautiful Marble Falls, Texas on Saturday May 5th at Johnson Park -230 South Avenue J. The Highland Lakes Chili Pod welcomes you to The 41st Annual HOWDY-ROO Regional Chili Cook Off and 18th Annual Lonestar BBQ State Championship. Also on the menu are Lonestar BBQ Beans and Local Business Chili Competition. Make your plans to stay over for The Highland Lakes Pod Backbone Creek CCO on Sunday May 6th same location. For more information contact Doc at 830-613-8666 - drk@tstar.net or Carrie at 281-615-2408 -cak@erfw.net. For BBQ contact Johnny Campbell at 830-613-9471 - 5-cbbq@netv.com.

If you need to book a room: Hill Country Inn 866-693-3637-Best Western Plus 830-693-5122-Holiday Inn Express 830-693-0707-LaQuinta Inns & Suites 830-798-2020-Motel 6 830-265-6565-Quality Inn 830-693-7531.

Come join the FUN....and support our charities! The Marble Falls VFD, The Marble Falls Helping Center and The Marble Falls Boys Scout Troop #284.

SEE YA THERE!

 

 

From Bruce Stewart:

Directions from Weatherford:

FM 51 north from Weatherford approximately 5 miles. Turn left on Old Agnes Rd. It takes some twists and turns, it is a county road, but stay on it 5 1/2 to 6 miles. The VFD, Central Baptist Church and Central Cemetary are on your right. Tents will be set up in a pasture on your left. You will be at 3 way intersection. You will see us. The firetrucks should be sitting out also.

 

If you need to call, you can call my cell at 817-475-5770 or call the station at 817-597-0818

 

From Vickie Childers:

BBQ in the Boonies In Bushland, TX 32 cooks

April 21, 2912

1st Kelly Draper, Tahoka

2nd Sheryl Valentine, Amarillo

3rd Vickie Childers, Amarillo

4th Steve Lopez, Pampa

5th LaMont Fisher, Bushland

6th Matthew Cox, Amarillo

7th Russell Williams, Amarillo

8th Lynn Dawson, Hereford

9th Margarett Lopez, Pampa

10th Tiffany Messer, Amarillo

 

Show

1st Grease is the Word "Chili" Martha Richardson Dimmitt

 

From Kay Lefler:

Karem Shrine CCO is coming up this weekend. Come join us at 400 Karem Circle on 185 between Hwy 6 and China Springs, TX. Notice to RVers – plenty of parking room for RVs, but please come prepared to use a generator as hookups are limited. Chili turn in is at 2 pm and bean turn in at noon. Friday evening all you can eat catfish supper $8.50 and breakfast will be served Saturday morning – donations accepted. There will also be a 50/50 raffle, bake sale and silent auction. Contact Randy 254-405-4333 randyduke37@yahoo.com or Angie Duke 254-405-4334 angdu2@yahoo.com. Cookoff on Sunday also – turn in at 1 pm.

 

 

 

2nd Post for Monday:

From Dana Plocheck:
The Trails will be on line later today for your reading pleasure!

Congratulations to Sherry Haynes - 42nd Ladies State Champion.

Here is the list of the winners:
TX Ladies State - 188 cooks
1.   Sherry Haynes
2.   Vickie Hebert
3.    Jessie Waguespack
4.   Maxine Reed
5.   Terry Faas
6.   Christy Flores
7.    Nancy Draper
8.   Dusty Hudspeth
9.   Joyce King
10. Dianna Hoy
11. Kendra Keeler
12. Lynette Smith
13. Vickie Harvey
14. Robbie Swart
15. Lisa Stone
16. Cindy Najavez
17. Debbie Lalanne
18. Melissa Draper
19. Reva Weatherly
20. Kathy Hudson

A big THANK YOU to the Texas Ladies State Board.  You did a great job! Thank you Boomer Kingston!  As always, you did a super job!

Thanks to our sponsor girls that attended Ladies State:  Stephanie, Linda and Janice.  Thanks for coming.  We always love to have you at our functions!


From Sharron Christopherson:

The Station 2012, Cook-off

1.  Nancy Coultas

2.  Val Velitschkowski

3.  Travis Tonzi

4.  Dave Garner

5.  Dick Smith

6.  Myrl Coultas

7.  Roland Regeon

8.  Ken Brow

9.  John Johnson

10. Sandy Garner

Show

1.  John Johnson

2.  Jerry Lee

3.  Nancy Coultas

People's Choice

1.  Ken Brown

2.  Jerry Lee

3.  Norman Schoenradt

Arizona State Hot Wings

1.  Dick Smith

2.  Norman Schoenradt

3.  Myrl Coultas

Salsa

1.  Nancy Coultas

2.  Myrl Coultas

3.  Norman Schoenradt

From Lee Kroencke:

See you at the Kansas State Chili Cook-off.

From Jerry Hunt:

Please keep Bill Martin in your prayers today.  He is having surgery today to remove a brain tumor.

 




 





 

2ND POST FOR FRIDAY:

From Jerry Hunt:
Please keep Bill Martin, one of our LA chili cooks, in your thoughts and prayers.  He will be having surgery on Monday to remove a brain tumor.

It is Friday and the stage here in Sequin is set for Texas Ladies' State CCO.  There are lots of motorhomes, lots of women and lots of conversation.

From Sharron Pinnell:

Ladies….it is time to get your hats ready for the In Loving Memory of Colleen Wallace hat contest at Texas Ladies State. Registration is set for Friday 4-6 in the pavilion….I am going the change that and invite you to my camp site for some wine and girlfriend time as you register. How cool is that! We have 4 categories this year: Beautiful; Outrageous; Original and Funniest! So let’s have some fun and make this the best year ever! There will be one winner per category. Look for an American Eagle that is PURPLE!!! You can’t miss a 40’ purple bus!!! See y’all in Sequin! Sharon Pinnell Sharon@bigbruce.com 210.240.5483

From the WEST TEXAS LADIES:

Tequila Rose Toast!!!

Come celebrate fellowship, friendship and sisterhood with "The West Texas Ladies" at a Tequila Rose Good Luck Toast immediately following turn-in (approximately 1:10 pm) Saturday!!! Just look for the West Texas camp with the pink table cloths and Tequila Rose bottles. All ladies are welcome, so spread the word!

From Darin Jester:

We are rapidly approaching the 2012 Three-I Regional Open Championship in Ottumwa, Iowa. The date is June 9, 2012 with the Iowa Chili Pod CCO rounding out the weekend on Sunday June 10^th. I have attached the flyer, please fill it out and mail it back to Gary Christensen at the address noted on the flyer. For those of you wishing to camp, the Three-I is being held at the Greater Ottumwa Park. The camp ground does not take reservations however, Virgil has assured us there will plenty of places for campers. Hotel information for the area is also attached. Please note, to take advantage of the room rates you must call them and let the hotel of your choice know you are attending the Three-I. As more information becomes available, we will make sure to send it out.

  

Here's hoping you have a Great Weekend!!  Chili, Charity and Fun!

It is Thursday and we have arrived at Texas Ladies' State CCO.  It won't be long until this place will come alive!  What a great weekend is planned.

From the WEST TEXAS LADIES:

Tequila Rose Toast!!!

 Come celebrate fellowship, friendship and sisterhood with "The West Texas Ladies" at a Tequila Rose Good Luck Toast immediately following turn-in (approximately 1:10 pm) Saturday!!! Just look for the West Texas camp with the pink table cloths and Tequila Rose bottles. All ladies are welcome, so spread the word!

From Sharron Pinnell:

Ladies….it is time to get your hats ready for the In Loving Memory of Colleen Wallace hat contest at Texas Ladies State. Registration is set for Friday 4-6 in the pavilion….I am going the change that and invite you to my camp site for some wine and girlfriend time as you register. How cool is that! We have 4 categories this year: Beautiful; Outrageous; Original and Funniest! So let’s have some fun and make this the best year ever! There will be one winner per category. Look for an American Eagle that is PURPLE!!! You can’t miss a 40’ purple bus!!! See y’all in Sequin! Sharon Pinnell Sharon@bigbruce.com 210.240.5483.  

From Larry Burruss:
I am again Head Judge for Texas Ladies' State CCO this weekend. Please remember that it takes a lot of men to make the judging go smoothly. Please volunteer to help us out and make Ladies' State a really great CCO.

From Clyde Rogers:

Texas Lady`s State Chili Championship is onlt 2 days away. I figure everyone is checking off their list of things to take with them in order to have a fun week end. Among the items to have on that list is an item or 2 or 3 or more for the SILENT AUCTION. Year after year everyone brings a great variety of items to put out for . I am sure 2012 will be no different. Be sure to stop and pick something up to make this another banner year for the TEXAS LADY`S STATE SILENT ACUTION. To all that help by donating an item THANK YOU.

NOTE:  Cliff and I are in Sequin.  I can still be reached by phone or by email.  If you email me, please give me time to respond! 

From Boomer Kingston:
A reminder that if you are coming to Ladies State, you may enter the park as early as 7am on Thursday. We wish each of you a safe trip and hope that you have a great time at Ladies State!

From the WEST TEXAS LADIES:

Tequila Rose Toast!!!

Come celebrate fellowship, friendship and sisterhood with "The West Texas Ladies" at a Tequila Rose Good Luck Toast immediately following turn-in (approximately 1:10 pm) Saturday!!! Just look for the West Texas camp with the pink table cloths and Tequila Rose bottles. All ladies are welcome, so spread the word!

From Larry Burruss:
I am again Head Judge for Texas Ladies' State CCO this weekend.  Please remember that it takes a lot of men to make the judging go smoothly.  Please volunteer to help us out and make Ladies' State a really great CCO.


From Sharron Pinnell:

Ladies….it is time to get your hats ready for the In Loving Memory of Colleen Wallace hat contest at Texas Ladies State. Registration is set for Friday 4-6 in the pavilion….I am going the change that and invite you to my camp site for some wine and girlfriend time as you register. How cool is that! We have 4 categories this year: Beautiful; Outrageous; Original and Funniest! So let’s have some fun and make this the best year ever! There will be one winner per category. Look for an American Eagle that is PURPLE!!! You can’t miss a 40’ purple bus!!! See y’all in Sequin! Sharon Pinnell Sharon@bigbruce.com 210.240.5483

From Barbara Herrin, Scholarship Program Administrator:

2012 Scholarship Recipients Announcement

I am pleased to announce that CASI will grant twelve scholarships for 2012 totaling $39,000.  If you know any of the recipients, you might want to congratulate them.

Academic

Felicia Borgfeld – Weesatche, Texas

Karlea Fleming – Willcox, Arizona

Natalie Jones – St. David, Arizona

Andrew Kasmiroski – College Station, Texas

Lucas Nesbitt – Houston, Texas

Thanh-Thu Nguyen – Garland, Texas

Minu Scaria – Garland, Texas

Beatrice Secheli – Garland, Texas

Megan Skiles – Bowie, Arizona

Trade

Braulio Gamero – Fort Myers, Florida

Jessenia Mercado – Garland, Texas

Ashley Parker – Garland, Texas

 

I would like to personally like to thank the scholarship committee for their hard work and for selecting an excellent group of scholarship recipients.  As there were over 90 applications, this is a very hard job indeed.  But as usual, the committee did an excellent job.

 

I would also like to remind the Great Peppers/Pod Representatives of the recipients that we would like to have a copy of any photo opportunities that you might have with the recipients such as presenting the award, etc.


From Darin Jester:
We are rapidly approaching the 2012 Three-I Regional Open Championship in Ottumwa, Iowa. The date is June 9, 2012 with the Iowa Chili Pod CCO rounding out the weekend on Sunday June 10^th. I have attached the flyer, please fill it out and mail it back to Gary Christensen at the address noted on the flyer. For those of you wishing to camp, the Three-I is being held at the Greater Ottumwa Park. The camp ground does not take reservations however, Virgil has assured us there will plenty of places for campers. Hotel information for the area is also attached. Please note, to take advantage of the room rates you must call them and let the hotel of your choice know you are attending the Three-I. As more information becomes available, we will make sure to send it out.  

Note:  After a conversation with Lee Kroencke, I am glad to report that despite the weather and the fact that those camped at the Chaney State Park, Chaney, KS last weekend had to take shelter for quite a long time in the only secure shelter in the Park's Restroom, the cookoff went on and was successful.  Chili cooks will do anything just to spend time together!!

It's Wednesday  and here are the CCOs for this weekend!  It appears to be a GREAT weekend and a really fun weekend to cook some chili!

Apr 21, 2012-001 - Mountainburg, AR CASI. Miss Piggy 2nd Annual Mountian Top. Held at 11939 Canova Trail,(held at Earp's Home on top of Cartwright Mountain, located North of Mountainburg, off Hwy 71) Benefitting Elks Piggy Bank Fund. Ground Meat only, Fee $20, turn-in 1 pm. Make checks payable to Elks #341-Piggy Bank. Dry camping Info Guy Smith 479-646-9444 or 479-650-9444, argsmith@prodigy.net.

Apr 21, 2012-002 - Gladewater, TX CASI. East Texas Gusher Days Held at 100 Block E. Commerce in Downtown Gladewater, TX. CASI rules apply. Chili grind only. $20.00 Entry fee. Benefits East Texas Gusher Days Scholarships. Make checks payable to: East Texas Gusher Days Turn in 2:00 pm. Side pot of beans $5.00 entry fee turn in noon. Contact: Linda and Roy Van Houten 903-845-5501 or 800-627-0315 gladewatercoc@suddenlinkmail.com

Apr 21, 2012-003 - THE COLONY, TX CASI. S.A.L ANNUAL COOKOFF Held at Lions Club Park. Entry fee $18 turn-in 1 PM. CHILI GRIND ONLY. Benefits Sons of the American Legion. Contact Ray Reynolds 972-849-3126. Email duct3828@aol.com.

Apr 21, 2012-004 - Seguin, TX CASI. 42nd Texas Ladies State Will be at Max Starke Park East in Seguin,Texas on Saturday, April 21, 2012. Entry fee is $30.00. Ladies can enjoy a Hat Contest, Silent Auction, and much more.

Apr 21, 2012-005 - Horn Lake, MS CASI. American Legion Post 134 CASI CCO Located at American Legion Post 134, Horn Lake, MS. CASI entry fee $20 - turn in 1:00 pm. Open Division $10 - both Divisions $25. Bring throw down chili for tasting. Some RV parking, no hook- ups. Contact Lynne Murry 662-526- 5722 or Rodney Jones 901-268-7593.

Apr 21, 2012-006 - Stokedale, NC CASI. 8th Annual Camp Carefree CCO Located at 275 Carefree Lane, Stokesdale, NC 27357 Hwy 220 North of Greensboro NC. No admission to site. CASI, Freestyle and Juniors. CASI entry fee $20, Freestyle and CASI entry fee $30, turn in 1PM. Silent auction, raffle, car show, bake sale and live music. All proceeds to help support Camp Carefree - (free camping for children with specific health problems and disabilities). No pets please. Out of town cooks wishing to make reservations for free cabin accommodations please call Kenny Jones 336-951-2705 or 336-932-9569.

Apr 21, 2012-007 - Henrietta, TX CASI. Turkey Fest-Turkey Tailgate Cookoff Held at Clay County Rodeo Grounds. From 82 turn north on Bridge St. go 3/4 miles to Rodeo Grounds. Entry fee $20.00. CHILI GRIND ONLY. CASI and Turkey Chili, TURKEY GRIND ONLY, divisions. Indoor cooking available. Live music throughout day. Bring throw down chili for public. RV parking no hookups. Contact Byron Baber 940-538-6262, Kevin Wooster 940-733-9221, bbaber@wf.net.  Benefits Clay County Chamber of Commerce.

Apr 21, 2012-008 - Venice, FL CASI. Suncoast BBQ Bash Please see our website for up to date details. Held at Venice Airport Festival Grounds. Visit http://suncoastbbqbash.com for directions and additional information. Entry fee $25 turn-in 2 PM. Benefits Suncoast Foundation for handicapped children. Open and showmanship categories. Contact Kelly Olliver 941-232-1905; kellyolliver@verizon.net.

Apr 21, 2012-009 - Amarillo, TX CASI. Amarillo TX CASI-BBQ in the Boonies CASI - BBQ in the Boonies. Held at the Piehl Barn, 2.5 miles North of Bushland on FM 2381. North of the High School. Chili $25.00 ground meat only turn in 3:00 PM. BBQ IBCA - Brisket, Ribs, Chicken, and Other $150.00. Benefits the Bushland Elementary PTO. Cooks meeting 6:00 PM Friday. Friday night Buster Bledsoe and the West Texas Wind playing. Saturday afternoon Kids activities, Vendors, Silent and Live Auction, Cow Patty Bingo and the Union Street Band. Saturday evening The BELLAMY BROTHERS will be playing. Each chili entry gets 1 wrist band to all events. www.bbqintheboonies.com for more information and for pre- registration. Contact: Sheryl Valentine 806.683.4234 or Vickie Childers 806.433.1793

Apr 21, 2012-010 - Pheonix, AZ CASI. Steel Horse Saloon Chili Cook-off Located at 1818 West Bell Road, Pheonix, AZ. Cook's meeting 9:30AM. CASI Red Chili turn in 2:00PM. Bring lots of People's Choice Chili. Charity is Helping Hands. Contact Dennis Huff 623- 388-0825 dhuff1947@hotmail.com Red CASI entry fee: $15 - or $10 with People's Choice.

Apr 21, 2012-011 - Independence, KS CASI. Fun in Riverside Park Chili Cookoff Located at Riverside Park, East Oak Street, Independence, KS 67301. CASI entry fee $20 before April 7, $25 after, turn in 12 noon. Chili Grind Only. Homestyle Chili entry fee $20, turn in 1 PM. $30 entry for both categories. Juniors for those 17 and younger $10 entry fee, turn in 1:30PM. Tent and RV parking available Fri night no hook ups. Please contact Debby Sandoval if you plan to camp for arrangements 620-577-2015 gringiss@yahoo.com  or find her on Facebook. Camping with hook ups nearby. Other lodging includes Microtel 620-331- 0088 Super 8 620-3318288 Knights Inn 620-331-7300 and Apple Tree Inn 620-331-5500.

Apr 21, 2012-012 - Pensacola, FL CASI. Marching Band Chili Cookoff PLEASE NOTE: This cookoff has been cancelled. Location TBD. CASI entry fee $20 turn in 2:00PM. Chili Grind Only. There is also an open Chili Division. Benefits the local Marching Band. Contact Victor Taylor for detail.

Apr 22, 2012-001 - Seguin, TX CASI. Classic CASI Memorial Pod Cook Off Apr 22, 2012 - Seguin TX CASI. Classic CASI POD Thirty Third Annual POD Chili Cook Off. Dedicated to the memory of Pete Armstrong, Carol Roy and Pop Roth. Max Starke Park East - Seguin. Entry fee $20, Turn in 1:00 PM. Chili Grind Only. Charity, Christian Free Clinic. Make Check Payable to Classic CASI POD, PO BOX 351, Seguin, TX 78156-0351 Cooks Party Saturday Night. Contacts for information - Sabrina Klietz 830-379-6918 or Annell Causey 830-379-6565

Final Note: Cliff and I are leaving for Sequin this morning.  We will be on the road today and on into Sequin tomorrow.  I can be reached by phone or email.  If you email me, please give me time to respond.

From Boomer Kingston:
If you are coming to Ladies State, you may enter the park as early as 7am on Thursday. We wish each of you a safe trip and hope that you have a great time at Ladies State!


Here is the rest of the schedule for the weekend:

Friday, April 20th

10:00 am to 8:00 pm - Vendors set up (See Floozie upon arrival)

4:00 pm to 6:00 pm - At the Pavilion

• Cook's registration open;
• Showmanship registration open;
• Hat contest registration open

6:30 pm - Cook's Party at the Pavilion! I know the meal will be delicious!!! Donna Conrad and her crew always do a fantastic job!

Hopefully Nigel will again grace us with his presence and great tunes!

Saturday, April 21st

7:00 am to 9:00 am - Vendor Set up (See Floozie upon arrival)

8:00 AM to 6:00 PM - Vendors Open - Around Pavilion

9:00 am to 11:am - At the Pavilion

• Cook's registration open;
• Showmanship registration open;
• Hat contest registration open

10:00 AM - Silent Auction Opens - At the Pavilion (closes 15 minutes after judging is complete)

Noon - Judges report to judging area at Pavilion

1:00 pm - Chili Turn In - At the Pavilion

1:30 pm to 3:30 pm - Showmanship competitions (various locations, some traveling throughout the camp)

3:45 pm - Hat Parade contestants meet at pavilion

4:00 pm - Hat Parade & Contest on the pavilion. Come vote for your favorite!

5:00 pm to 6:00 pm (approximate) - Announcements - At the Pavilion

• Hat Contest Winners Announced
• Raffle Drawing
• Recognition of TLS Board Members
• Special Presentations
• Previous Winners Acknowledgements
• Recognition of Sponsors
• Announcement of Junior Miss Cook Off Winners
• Announcement of top 10 Chili Winners & top 3 Showmanship
• Final Table Winners
• Winners Pictures Taken

7:00 PM - Classic CASI Pod Cook's Pot Luck Meal - At the Pavilion

Hopefully Nigel will again grace us with his presence and great tunes!

Sunday, April 22nd

9:00 AM - Classic CASI Memorial CCO Registration - At the Pavilion

12:30 PM - Judges report to Pavilion

1:00 PM - Chili Turn In - At the Pavilion

From Connie Collier:

Tequila Rose Toast!!! Let's celebrate friendship and sisterhood at a Tequila Rose Good Luck Toast immediately following turn-in (approximately 1:10 pm) Saturday at Texas Ladies State!!! Just look for the pink table cloths and Tequila Rose bottles. All Ladies are welcome, so spread the word!

From Clyde Rogers:

Just a reminder that Texas Lady`s State Chili Championship is 4 days away. I figure everyone is checking off their list of things to take with them in order to have a fun week end. Among the items to have on that list is an item or 2 or 3 or more for the SILENT AUCTION. Year after year everyone brings a great variety of items to put out for . I am sure 2012 will be no different. Be sure to stop and pick something up to make this another banner year for the TEXAS LADY`S STATE SILENT ACUTION. To all that help by donating an item THANK YOU.

From Kelly Brignon:

If you would like a spice order brought to Ladies State, please leave a note in the comments section of the online order form. You can also call the store at 972.875.2975 or email me at Kelly@mildbills.com to place an order. Please let me know by noon Wednesday. We will be in Seguin Thursday afternoon and will also have spices with us. Thank you and have a spicy day!

From Larry Burruss:

It is time for the men to step up to the judging area and help out with Ladies State. It takes a lot of people to monitor a cook-off this size. I have spoke with a few people but still need a lot more men to help. Please contact me if you will monitor at janieb@alertservices.com or Larry at home (512) 353-8895. Thanks for volunteering. We will see you next week.

From Lee Kroencke:
Mark your Clendars.  You aren't going to want to miss this CCO!

From Dedi Rountree