From Travis Tonzi

Mark your calendars for this Regional CCO.  Escape the heat and come to the Pines.

Winners of the 20th Chillini Pod Chili Cookoff
St. Charles IL, May 19, 2012

CHILI
1. John Gastaldello, Dowers Grove IL2. Bill Pierson, Batavia IL
3. Virgil Johnson, Ottumwa IA
4. Gloria Molitor, St. Charles IL
5. Cheryl Pierson, Batavia IL
6. Jennifer Pierson, Yorkville IL
7. Bret Centers, Lisle IL
8. Candy Thomas, Naperville IL
9. Roylene Johnson, Ottumwa IA
10. Pat Gustafson, Chicago IL

SHOWMANSHIP
1. Pat Gustafson, Chicago IL
2. Bill Pierson, Batavia IL
3. John Gastaldello, Downers Grove IL


From Kim Hiley:
It is with GREAT SADNESS that I must, at this time, advise everyone that the "Return of the Chili Queens" cook-off this weekend has been CANCELLED. Unfortunately, there have been some changes at the Market, mainly a new BOD.


While most wanted to still have the cook-off the President was not in favor. And then, somehow, the City was called to get involved and that opened a WHOLE new realm of issues. I was put in contact with a man from the City that didn't quite understand the cook-ff procedures. Then this man, not knowing or understanding, panicked and started opening doors to other issues.

The City now says we need Health and Fire Permits (which we've never needed before).  The cost of the permits would be extreme and would not be beneficial or profitable for the charity. Greg, from the Market, and I have worked very hard to try to keep this cook-off in tact for this year but at this time we have to make the call and say that it will be CANCELLED. It's unfortunate and disappointing to say the least. We'll have the cook-off next year, as we now know what we're up against. And if need be, we'll move it. However, that takes away from the atmosphere and culture that makes the "Return of the Chili Queens". 


Thanks to all that have supported this cook-off over the years and we'll see you
there next year.


From Wappo:

It's Wednesday, and here are the CCOs for this weekend.

May 26, 2012-001 - Water Valley, TX CASI. Memorial Day Celebration Day 1 of the Memorial CCO, Concho Valley Chili Pod CCO, CASI, Benefits DESK; Location: Water Valley Park located on South FM 2034 off of US Highway 87. There is a limited number of hook ups. The charge for the hook ups is $20/night. There will be Jackpot Beans with a turn in at 12 noon and the entry fee is $5.00. Chili turn in is at 2 PM. The entry fee is $18.00. CHILI GRIND ONLY. There will be a cake auction and a 50/50 raffle. Make checks payable to Concho Valley Chili Pod. There will be a Saturday night Potluck. This is day 1 of a 2 day CCO. See Sunday information. Contact Sherry Maus at 325-658 1364 or Janice Miller email at garjans@suddenlink.net or 325- 650-1854.

May 26, 2012-002 - Southaven, MS CASI. Garden of Grace Annual CCO NOTE THE DATE FOR THIS COOK OFF HAS CHANGED TO JUNE 9, 2012 Held at Garden of Grace Church, 2220 Cresthill Drive, Southaven, MS 38671 Exit 291 on Interstate 55, go 1.2 miles west to Highway 51. Turn left on Highway 51 and go 0.4 miles to Mississippi Valley Blvd. Turn right on Mississippi Valley Blvd and go 0.6 miles. Turn right on Cresthill Drive and go 100 feet. Entry fee $20.00, turn in 1PM. CHILI GRIND ONLY. Make checks payable to Garden of Grace. Contact Ralph Shields at: ralphshields@att.net , 901-481-1660.

May 26, 2012-003 - Cranfills Cap, TX CASI. Horny Toad Bar and Grill Horny Toad Bar and Grill is located of Hwy 22 in Cranfills Cap, TX. Plenty of room for everyone. Pinto Bean cook off, turn in time 12:00 noon, entry fee $5.00, 1st place winner takes all. Chili turn in time 2:00 PM, entry fee $18.00', Chili Grind Only. For more information please call Donna Conrad at 254-855-4733 or email dangergail@aol.com.

May 26, 2012-004 - Tomball, TX CASI. Tomball Memorial Day Weekend Chili Come join us for Tomball's first annual Memorial Day Weekend Chili Challenge to be held in historic downtown Tomball at Depot Park on Saturday, May 26, 2012. CASI turn in will be 2 pm. There will also be a restaurant/business chili challenge as well. Turn in time for restaurant/business will be 1pm. For cooks and local establishments, there will be a Margarita Pour Off with an 11 am turn in. CASI Chili entry fee $20.00 (chili grind only) Restaurant/Business entry fee $15.00Margarita Pour Off entry fee $5.00 There will be two categories for the Margarita Pour Off. The cooks and the business. The cooks who turn in ritas will judge the business category to determine who makes the best rita in Tomball. The businesses turning in ritas will judge the cooks entries to determine which cook has the best rita. This is a great venue for a cookoff. Lots of public, vendors, bands, and a play area for kids. This will be a great family event. Sorry, no motorhomes allowed. Day trip only. For more information please contact Keith Karaff at kdkone@aol.com  Keith D Karaff Office Manager IBS Lighting, Ltd 281-653-5336

May 26, 2012-005 - Durant, OK CASI. 29th Annual Southwest Open Chili The 29th Annual Southwest Open Chili Championship will be held at the Choctaw Casino in Durant, OK. The cookoff location will be at the Choctaw/Koa RV Park on the grounds of the Choctaw Casino. The Casino is located just across the Texas/Oklahoma border, North of the Dallas/Ft Worth area on US Hwy 75. Entry fee: $25, Turn-in 2 PM, Chili Grind Only. Top 3 chilis and 1st Place Show are automatic qualifiers for TICC. Travel money for top winners in chili and show. Last year top 5 chilis were qualified. Friday nite 42 Tournament Contact: Kevin Wooster-940-733-9221; Terry Graves-940-733-6446; Nancy Graves-940-733-0625; steamatic96@sbcglobal.net  Send entry to: Nancy Graves, PO Box 1129 Wichita Falls, Tx. 76307 940-733-0625 Special room rates for the following hotels: Please ask for chili cookoff rates: Magnuson Hotel and Suites--580-924- 5100 Single-$50-Double-$65-Suite $75 Comfort Inn and Suites--580-924-8881 Rate: $79.00 Hampton Inn and Suites--580-924-0300 Rate: $89.00 Choctaw/Koa RV Park--800-562-6073 Full Hookup rate: $25 This is a large and popular Casino, call early for reservations More information to follow:

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May 27, 2012-001 - Water Valley, TX CASI. Concho Valley Chili Pod Cookoff Day 2 Concho Valley Chili Pod Cookoff. CASI, Benefits Concho Valley Chili Pod. Location: Water Valley Park located on South FM 2034 off of US Highway 87. There is a limited number of hook ups. The cost for hook ups is $20/night. Chili turn in is at 2 PM. The entry fee is $18.00. CHILI GRIND ONLY. There will be a cake auction and a 50/50 raffle. Make checks payable to Concho Valley Chili Pod. Sunday Night Pot Luck and a Memorial Day Celebration. See Saturday's information. Contact Sherry Maus at 325-658-1364 or Janice Miller 325-650-1854, or garjans@suddenlink.net.

May 27, 2012-002 - Cranfills Cap, TX CASI. Horny Toad Bar and Grill Next Day Horny Toad Bar & Grill next day cook off. Turn in time 1:00 PM Entry fee $18.00/Chili Grind ONLY. Charity TBA. Plenty of room for everyone. For more inforamtion please call Donna Conrad at 254- 588-4733 or email at dangergail@aol.com.

May 27, 2012-003 - Duran,t OK CASI. North of the Brazos Pod Cookoff Located at the Choctaw Casino/KOA RV Park. Entry fee $20, turn in 1:00PM. Chili Grind Only. Contact Kevin Wooster 940-733-9221 or Nancy Graves 940-733-0625; steamatic96@sbcglobal.net

May 27, 2012-004 - San Antonio, TX CASI. Return of the Chili Queens El Mercado Market Place,  CANCELLED! Market St. Entry fee $20, turn-in 2 pm. Benefits Santa Rosa Children's Hospital. This is a wonderfully fun cook-off and cultural experience. For information please contact Kim Hiley 210-286- 4275 or kdhiley@yahoo.com

May 27, 2012-005 - Tombstone, AZ CASI. Wyatt Earp Days Chili Cookoff Located on Allen Street in front of OK Corral. CASI sanctioned. Charity is Tombstone Lions Club. Turn-in time 1:00 p.m. Entry fee: $20. Make checks payable to HDP. Cooks party on Saturday the 26th of May at Vigilante Hall, please, no early arrivals. Party starts at 6:30 p.m. For info contact Greg Monger, 520-417- 9948, or mongo9@cox.net.  This cookoff is on advertising Probation.

May 28, 2012-001 - San Angelo, TX CASI. Chili Pod Memorial Legions. Day 3 Day 3 of a 3 day Concho Valley Chili Pod Memorial Legions CCO. This cookoff benefits Concho Valley Chili Pod Great Pepper's Meeting Fund. The location is the Water Valley Park at Seymour Crossing which is officially the Harper Park. It is located on South FM 2034 off of US Highway 87. There are a limited number of hook ups at $20/night. Chili turn in is at 12 noon. The entry fee is $18.00. This is a CHILI GRIND ONLY. Make checks payable to Concho Valley Chili Pod. This is a 3 day CCO. See Saturday's and Sundays information. Info: Sherrie Maus, 5876 N Grape Rd, San Angelo TX 76903 or 325-658- 1364.