Prepare the Way for the 8th Annual Magnolia State Bank Chili Cook Off!
On Saturday, February 9, 2019, Downtown Laurel will come alive as the thrill of intense competition fuels the teams lining historic Central Avenue for the 8th annual Magnolia State Bank Chili Cook Off. Join us for one of Laurel Main Street’s most popular events and expose your business (and your top secret chili recipe) to over 3,000 hungry customers!
Come early to watch the teams set up and prepare their recipes from scratch. No pre-chopping or pre-cooking allowed! Each team prepares and cooks their secret chili recipe right out in the open for all to watch. Judging begins at eleven, when our expert panel tastes each entry and decides who wins the $1,000 grand prize in each category.
For just $10, you can enjoy an “all-you-can-eat” bowl or for $25, enjoy a “bottomless” Carl Buchanan keepsake pottery bowl. Tasting begins at 11:00 a.m. and the winners are announced at 2:30 p.m.
Compete for a $1,000 GRAND PRIZE
Is your signature chili the talk of the town? Does your organization, business or group have a team ready to face the competition during the 2019 Chili Cook Off? Here’s your chance to show off your favorite recipe and compete for our fabulous prizes, all while contributing to the continued growth and revitalization of our beautiful Downtown!
Prizes generously provided by Magnolia State Bank
1st place Traditional: $1000 & the traveling chili trophy
1st place Homestyle: $1000 & the traveling chili pot trophy
People’s Choice: $200 & Hand-crafted pottery by Carl Buchanan
Spirit Tent Award: $200 & Hand-crafted pottery by Carl Buchanan
Assemble your team of 5 or less members, gather your ingredients (all chili must be cooked on site) and prepare to face the judges!
Forms & Information
Download the forms below and return them to Laurel Main Street at 409 Oak Street (on the 2nd floor of Lee’s Coffee and Tea) by Monday, February 4, 2019 and get ready to delight the crowds and defeat the competition on February 9th!
Judging
In order to ensure fairness, teams will be scored in five categories based on their anonymous submission for tasting. Judges will evaluate entries based on color, aroma, consistency, taste and aftertaste (or bite).
Grand prize winners will be chosen for two categories–Traditional and Homestyle–and will receive $1000 and a traveling trophy. May the best chili win!
Want to compete in this year’s cook off? Click HERE to download registration forms.
Sponsorship Opportunities
This ever-growing event is THE place to be this February and the SPONSORSHIP DEADLINE is January 25, 2019.
The benefits of sponsoring a fun, family-friendly event such as this are sure to reach far beyond the day itself. Enjoy positive exposure while providing local consumers with an experience they’re sure to remember – right here in Downtown Laurel!
Thank you to Magnolia State Bank for their 7th consecutive 5-Alarm Sponsorship! Their generous support is vital to the success of this popular event as they directly provide the funds for our phenomenal prizes and event marketing. Available sponsorship levels include:
$2,500 Blazing Sponsor
- Business feature LMS event page/Facebook/newsletter
- Free cook off team entry
- Choice of space at event
- Logo on event poster
- Eight entry tickets for your guests
- Eight VIP Breakfast tickets
$1000 Hot Sponsor
- Business feature LMS event page/Facebook/newsletter
- Free cook off team entry
- Choice of space at event
- Name on event poster
- Six entry tickets for your guests
- Six VIP Breakfast tickets
$500 Spicy Sponsor
- Business name listed LMS event page/Facebook/newsletter
- Name on event poster
- Four entry tickets for your guests
- Four VIP Breakfast tickets
Events like the Chili Cook Off just wouldn’t be possible without the support and backing of local businesses. These sponsorships help pay for the prizes, supplies and more! Their donations also help fund the Laurel Main Street Facade & Amenities grant and are directly responsible for the improvements you see in Downtown Laurel.
Please remit sponsorship payment to: Laurel Main Street, PO Box 1256, Laurel, MS 39441
Memo: Chili Cook Off 2019 Sponsorship
DEADLINE: January 25, 2019
Questions? Contact the Chili Cook Off Chair, Robby Scruggs 601.319.0098 or Laurel Main Street, 601.433.3255.
Join us February 9, 2019 in Downtown Laurel for the 8th Annual Magnolia State Bank Chili Cook Off!
