RED APRON COOKOFF - FEBRUARY 25, 2012
Contact: Lili Coleman
lili@blufftonselfhelp.org
843-757-8000 (office)
843-714-4304 (mobile)
CALL FOR CHILI COOKS
REGISTER TODAY FOR THE FIRST AREA
INTERNATIONAL CHILI SOCIETY COOKOFF
IN BLUFFTON, SC
Bluffton, SC, January 24, 2012—Mark your calendar and register TODAY to participate in the First Annual RED APRON CHILI COOKOFF, the first sanctioned chili cookoff to be held in Hilton Head/Bluffton SC on Saturday, February 25. This first annual event will be held at Tanger 2 Outlet Center Hilton Head.
The RED APRON CHILI COOKOFF will benefit Bluffton Self Help, Inc. a United Way Agency and is named to represent the Bluffton Self Help, Inc red apron logo. This first year event has openings for more than 20 cooks in each of the four plus “People’s Choice” where the spectators pick a winner. The sanctioned categories are The Competitive Red, The Chili Verde, Salsa and the Homestyle Chili Cookoff.
The COMPETITIVE RED sanctioned chili cookoff follows the rules of the ICS and is defined as any kind of meat or combination of meats, cooked with red chili peppers, various spices and other ingredients, with the exception of BEANS and PASTA which are STRICTLY FORBIDDEN.
The CHILI VERDE sanctioned chili cookoff follows the rules of the ICS and is defined as any kind of meat or combination of meats, cooked with green chili peppers, various spices and other ingredients, with the exception of BEANS and PASTA which are STRICTLY FORBIDDEN.
In the SALSA category the salsa must be homemade by the contestant whose name with ICS number appears on the Contestant application. It may be brought to the site that day or it may be prepared at the Cookoff.
The HOMESTYLE Chili Cookoff (THE NEW CATEGORY) is defined as the cook’s favorite combination of ingredients resulting in a dish seasoned with chili peppers and spices. There is no restriction or requirements as to the ingredients, but the entry must be homemade and have chili pepper flavor.
All sanctioned events feature cooking on site while spectators watch and each cook must make 32 ounces of chili for judging. Spectators will have the opportunity to taste the “People’s Choice” entries, prepared on site or brought to the cookoff, while the cooks prepare their official entries for the four different categories. Cooks participating in the four categories have the option to bring an extra pot of chili with beans to also enter the “People’s Choice” unsanctioned competition. Judges will be selected from local celebrity chefs and personalities.
Cooks interested in entering only the “People’s Choice” category and not the sanctioned categories (Red Traditional, Chili Verde, Salsa and Homestyle) can do so. The “People’s Choice” category will be voted on by the spectators and features local restaurants. For more information on this category, contact Lili Coleman at Bluffton Self Help.
The four sanctioned categories, sanctioned by the International Chili Society (ICS) follow all the rules and regulations set by ICS and cooks (both amateur and professional) must be members or join the Chili Society prior to the cookoff. The ICS is the official organization that sanctions chili cookoffs. These events are worldwide and benefit charities or nonprofit organizations. All winners of ICS sanctioned cookoffs qualify to compete for cash prizes and awards at the World’s Championship Chili Cookoff. The ICS is one of the largest food contests/festival organizations in the world. Their sole purpose is to promote, develop and improve the preparation and appreciation of true chili and to determine each year the World’s Champion Chili through officially sanctioned and regulated competitive cookoffs.
The cooks in all the categories are provided space to cook and are required to supply their own tent and cooking equipment including a one-pound propane stove, plus follow all the rules and regulations outlined by ICS. There is no access to electricity on the cooking sites and a limited water supply.
The winner of the Competitive Red is guaranteed a spot in the South Carolina Chili Championship to be held in Belton, SC in April and if less than 20 cooks participate, the Last Chance Chili Cookoff in 2012. If more than 20 cooks enter the competition, the winner is eligible to compete in the World’s Championship Chili Cookoff. The World’s Championship Chili Cookoff is to be held on Magic Island in Charleston, West Virginia on October 5-7, 2012.
If ten or more cooks participate in the Chili Verde and Salsa categories, the winner progresses on to the World’s Championship Chili Cookoff as well. Ten or more in the Homestyle category will qualify the winner to compete in the ICS World’s Championship Homestyle Chili Cookoff.
The official hotel for this event is the Hilton Garden Inn located off Highway 278 in Bluffton across from the Tanger II outlets. A special rate has been set for this event.
The cost to enter the cookoff is $35 per cooking team per category, plus any ICS membership fees.
Sponsors to date include Bluffton Today and Island Packet. Additional sponsorships are available.
For more information about the cookoff and to participate contact Lili Coleman at Bluffton Self Help, Inc., on line at lili@blufftonselfhelp.org or call Bluffton Self Help at 843-757-8000. Registration will also be available at Blufftonselfhelp.org.
BLUFFTON SELF HELP, INC.
Bluffton Self Help, Inc. is a nonprofit organization in Bluffton, SC and was founded in 1987. The mission of the organization is to help those individuals in the greater Bluffton area who are in need of short-term, documented financial assistance and to also provide them with the most fundamental needs, such as FREE food and clothing, while urging them to become more self-reliant. In the past year the agency has assisted over 22,000 clients.
UNITED WAY OF THE LOWCOUNTRY
United Way of the Lowcountry campaign contributions fund 32 partner agencies and 42 programs in Beaufort and Jasper counties. Those partner agencies focus on one or more of United Way’s priorities to achieve better HEALTH, EDUCATION, SHELTER, NUTRITION and INCOME in Beaufort and Jasper counties. ###
CHILLY CHILI STROLL - MARCH 3, 2012
The North Conway Chilly Chili Stroll Cookoff is a little over a month away. The date is Saturday, March 3, 2012 and will be held in the parking lot of the Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center located at 2779 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, NH 03860. This is a new location with much better visibility to the public.
People’s Choice is required and we’re asking that everyone who is cooking chili to please comply and supply at least one gallon. If sharing a tent, gallons can be combined.
Our host, the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce (MWVCC), is also having their 10th Annual Chilly Chili Crazy Hat Competition in conjunction with the event. ICS cooks are encouraged to join in the fun. (http://mwvblog.wordpress.com/2012/01/23/crazy-hat-contest/)
There will be special rates at some area hotels for cooks. The MWVCC would like to encourage cooks to spend some time in the community and enjoy the shops, outlets, and other activities. The first hotel is:
Briarcliff Motel
2304 White Mountain Highway
North Conway, NH 03860
Nightly rate: $59/1 bed - $69/2 beds - Ask for the chilifest rate
More hotels are coming.
The cookoff schedule is as follows:
7:00 AM Setup
9:00 AM Cook’s Meeting
10:00 AM Light Stoves for Chili Verde
11:00 AM Light Stoves for Red Chili / People’s Choice Starts
11:15 AM Judge’s Meeting
12:00 Noon Salsa Turn-In
1:00 PM Chili Verde Turn-In
2:00 PM Red Chili Turn-In
4:00 PM People’s Choice Ends / Begin Breakdown
4:45 PM Awards (at Rafferty’s Restaurant and Pub)
We’re asking all cooks to sign up as soon as possible so we can get a good handle on the numbers. Let’s grow this cookoff and the ICS. Try to recruit a new cook for this event.
CUTLINE: Veteran International Chili Society competitors ChiliJohn Fenrich and his wife, Kay, will be on hand to help make the first Rainbow House “Feel the Heat” Chili, Bean and Salsa cook-off a spicy success on March 10th at Lucy Park. In addition to ICS chili cooks who have competed in the World Championships; local teams will be competing for chili, bean and salsa awards. Tasting Kits will be sold to raise funds for Rainbow House, which provides emergency resources to the abused, neglected and at-risk children of Wichita, Archer and Clay counties.
PRESS RELEASE 01/24/2012
FROM: RAINBOW HOUSE
SUBJECT: SANCTIONED CHILI COOK-OFF FUNDRAISER
CONTACT: TERRI JACKSON PHONE: 940-322-7803, CELL: 940-733-6632
EMAIL: rainbowhousewf@yahoo.com
WORLD’S BEST CHILI COOKS HEADING TO WICHITA FALLS!
Chili lovers of all ages will be in for a treat in March as the first International Chili Society sanctioned chili cook-off comes to Wichita Falls bringing some of the best chili cooks in the U.S. as well as local chili aficionados who will be competing for awards in the People’s Choice categories.
The “Feel the Heat!” chili, bean and salsa cook-off to benefit Rainbow House of Wichita Falls will be held Saturday, March 10th at Lucy Park. In addition to being able to taste some of the best chili, beans and salsa in the world, those attending can enjoy live entertainment, kid’s activities, vendor booths and various refreshments.
Rainbow House is a 3000 square foot store-like facility that provides emergency resources to abused, neglected or at-risk children to help prevent them being removed from their homes or to ease their transition to a safer place.
Admission to “Feel the Heat” is free. Funds will be raised through the sale of tasting kits for the chili, salsa and beans.
The International Chili Society World Championship Chili Cook “ChiliJohn” Fenrich and his wife, Kay, are helping to organize the first officially sanctioned chili cook-off in Wichita Falls.
“I am really excited about bringing world-class chili cooks to Wichita Falls to let folks in the city compare their favorite family recipes with what the cooks who compete at the world level serve up,” said ChiliJohn.
The “Feel the Heat” event will feature the International Chili Society competition which will be judged by a panel of veteran ICS judges and local celebrity judges. ChiliJohn will serve as Chief Judge and promises that all of the rules of the International Chili Society will be followed. Kay Fenrich, who has been competing in ICS cook-offs for more than 25 years, will be the Chief Scorekeeper.
“We know that with John and Kay involved with this cook-off it will produce winners who will be legitimate competitors at the world level,” said Carol Hancock, CEO and President of the International Chili Society. “We are so pleased that Wichita Falls and the Rainbow House have joined the ICS family of chili cooks.”
Tasting Kits will be sold for $10 for unlimited samples, $5 for a small cup for children 13 and up and $2 for children 6 to 12 with children under the age of 6 for free.
Rainbow House is currently seeking volunteers to help with “Feel the Heat”. The volunteers can do many things including: serving refreshments, making up and selling tasting kits, working an information booth, working at a first aid station, vendor check in, venue set up (tents, tables, chairs, stage, etc.), cooks helpers-helping cooks unload and get to their tables, registering judges and cooks, tear down and clean up.
For Entry Forms, Vendor Forms, and more information or to volunteer please call Terri Jackson at 940-322-7803, 940-733-6632 or email at rainbowhousewf@yahoo.com.
SCAM EMAILS SUPPOSEDLY FROM ICS MEMBERS
We have received several calls (and emails) in regard to emails supposedly from ICS members asking for some sort of monetary help. These are scams and not to be taken at face value. We are looking to see how our members email and contact info have gotten into the hands of these people. Please be advised that we do not know that our email was hacked but are aware of this situation and working to find the source.
ICS Admin
FLORIDA KEYS COOKOFFS - FEBRUARY 18-19, 2012
SPREAD THE WORD…SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS…THE ISLAMORADA CHILI COOK-OFF…ANNOUNCES….” PRIZES FOR FIRST PLACE WINNERS IN THE ICS COMPETITION FOR CHILI…CHILI VERDE….SALSA….WILL EACH RECEIVE 1ST PLACE TROPHIES AND $150 CASH…THAT’S RIGHT $150!!!!!! “
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BILL FOUNTAIN
CAREFREE ARIZONA CHILI COOKOFF - FEBRUARY 18, 2012
The Carefree, AZ Resort & Conference Center is hosting their 1st annual chili cook-off on Saturday, Feb. 18. The prize money is fantastic. Dennis and Allene Macklin will be your chief judge and scorekeeper. Please sign up thru the ICS website as soon as possible so we have an idea of the number of cooks. Helpers are very welcome too. Hope to see you there!
Red Chili $50 entry fee
1st - $2500
2nd - $1000
3rd - $500
Chili Verde - $50 entry fee
1st - $500
2nd - $250
3rd - $100
Salsa - $25 entry fee
1st - $250
2nd - $150
3rd - $100
They have Dan Haggerty of Grizzly Adams fame as a celebrity judge and he also has many years experience doing chili cook offs.
LeAnn Rimes is performing in Concert on Friday night the 17th in their Opera House and they are offering $15 off of the ticket prices. If you’re interested, please contact Terri below.
They are offering a 99.00 per night special for cooks with a complimentary breakfast buffet on Saturday and Sunday Morning. You will need to call their Reservation Department between Monday and Friday and ask for Terri (see below). She will make sure you get the special rate and confirm you are entered. They don’t have RV hookups but do have parking and are pet friendly.
The below link will take you to their website, on the left side of the page, click on events, when that page opens you will see carefree chili cook off in the same place. Everything is listed there.
www.carefree-resort.com
For additional information, you can contact:
Don McDowell | Corporate Director of Facilities
Carefree Resort & Conference Center
dmcdowell@bridlie.com
Phone +1(480) 595-3740 | Fax +1(866) 439-9571
Room Reservations (Terri) +1(480) 595-3716
Dennis and Allene
IRENE TOMASEK
Sadly we mourn the loss of another chili cook here in Nebraska. Mrs. Irene Tomasek, who helped her husband Steve raise some fine chili cooks, has passed away.
She is survived by the following cooks: Steve and Bonnie Tomasek, Steffie Smith and Ron Olechnowicz, Shari and Wayne Freer, Sandy and Ty Banks. Cooking grandchildren include: Erika and Nick Knutson, Steven IV, Jennifer Banks, Kandy and Lance Fleming . Not to be outdone by the other grandchildren, Kara and Eric Gonzales,Tyrone Jr.
I am sure if you cooked chili you met Mrs. Tomasek somewhere. Our condolences to the family and great grandchildren, friends and relatives.
Condolences may be sent to the Tomasek family at 2561 Elk Canyon Circle, Sedalia, CO 81035
Sue & Bill Dudzik
Toucan Chew Chili
WINTERFREEZE CHILI COOKOFF RESULTS
We had a great turnout. There were 27 red chili contestants, 12 verde and 19 salsa. The place was packed due to the football playoffs and the band, Seeing Daylight. They are big sponsors of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and they donated their time to the cause.
We raised $2500 for St. Judes from the cookoff.
Here are the winners…
Red Chili
1st Place: Jill Goldberg (her first ICS red win)
2nd Place: Larry Lentz
3rd Place: Paul Wessing
Chili Verde
1st Place: Paul Wessing
2nd Place: Lloyd Weir
3rd Place: Tom Calvert
Salsa
1st Place: Diane Lentz
2nd Place: Tom Calvert
3rd Place: Juan Palacio
SMOKIN’ BIG CHILI CHALLENGE - MESQUITE
SMOKIN’ BIG CHILI CHALLENGE
MESQUITE, NEVADA 1/14/2012.
The weather was great, the cooks were great and the people were GREAT!!!
The Charity was “GOODIE TWO SHOES”
We would like to thank a few people who do the work in the back ground.
The team:
Scorekeepers: Louise Dinneweth, Donnie Gordon, Nicole Caimi, Marylou Corrao, Sharon Ayers, Willma Meahl , Bobbie Gaul
Wranglers: Phil Morosky “Dirty Ole Phil , Bill Corrao,Tonya Shelley , Verl Shelley, Jim Maehl my number one and able assistant, Peter Caimi who is everywhere.
A special THANK YOU to Ann Sumstrum, Michele Yegge-Evans and there staff of the CASA BLANCA RESORT.
AND THE WINNERS ARE:
Peoples Choice: $1000.00
Bruce Landvik
SALSA: 11 BOWLS
Gene Beller-3rd Place (Hon Mention)
Kevin Foley-2nd Place (Hon Mention)
Eileen Beaty-1st Place ($415.00 + Plaque)
CHILI VERDE: 14 BOWLS
Aramndo Sanchez-3rd Place (Hon. Mention)
Dionne Cooley-2nd Place (Hon Mention)
Charles Harber-1st Place ($600.00+Plaque)
ICS CHILI (RED): 31 BOWLS
Cindy Haught-5th Place (Hon Mention)
Mike Austin-4th Place (Hon Mention)
Gene Beller- 3rd Place ($500.00)
Bob Plager- 2nd Place ($750.00)
Kathy Plager-1st Place ($1500.00+Plaque)
Louise and I would like to thank everyone who participated .
THANK YOU!!!!!
Bob & Louise Dinneweth
SMOKIN’ BIG CHILI CHALLENGE - MESQUITE
top photo:
Sheila Beller of Bakersfield, Calif. captured first place in Sunday’s Red Chili portion of the CasaBlanca Regional chili cook off. She is now headed for the world championships in October.
middle photo:
An enthusiastic crowd participated in the Peoples Choice part of the giant chili cook off during the weekend at the CasaBlanca Resort raising an estimated $5,500 for Goodie Two Shoes.
bottom photo:
Kathy Plager of Littleton, Colo. won $1,500 during chili cook off competition Saturday at the CasaBlanca Resort.
Smokin’ Big Chili Challenge II raises about $5,500 for Goodie Two Shoes organization
The Smokin’ Big Chili Challenge II wrapped up a blockbuster two-day stand at the CasaBlanca Resort Sunday and the biggest winners were undoubtedly several hundred underprivileged young children who will be receiving new pairs of shoes.
The Goodie Two Shoes foundation, was the beneficiary of about $5,500 for the Peoples Choice part of the competition undoubtedly bringing smiles to many children in many kids in need.
“We figure that it takes $25 per child to properly fit them with shoes,” said Nikki Berti, who co-founded Goodie Two Shoes nine years ago with her husband, Tony, a former National Football League player.
That said, about 220 pairs of shoes will be distributed thanks to the huge chili cook off. This particular event will go down as not only beneficial for young people but also a ton of fun for those hearty souls from Goodie Two Shoes who attend special events all year.
“We do a lot of events and this one was a lot of fun,” said Berti, whose group also benefited from a Bunco tournament last year at the CasaBlanca. “We had a great time and the enthusiasm was through the roof.
“We would love to come back again sometime.”
The Peoples Choice category was won both days by Mesquite Gaming Food Director Bruce Landvik.
The event actually included two separate days of competition. Smokin’ Big Chili was presented Saturday with the CasaBlanca Regional conducted Sunday also on the grounds of the CasaBlanca.
Winning in Saturday’s competition and headed for the world cook off is Kathy Plager, red, $1,500. Others finishing well on Saturday were Plager’s husband, Bob, second place, red, $750; Chuck Harber, Chili Verde, $600; and Eileen Beaty, Salsa, $415.
“The secret was getting the meat and the gravy perfect,” said Mrs. Plager, who won the world competition in 1998 in Las Vegas and pocketed $25,000. “It’s hard to get everything together, but I was able to do just that on Saturday.”
Mr. Plager won the Tolbert International World Championship three times in 1996, 1998 and 2006.
The Plagers will now travel to Phoenix in March for a back-to-back cook off with two days of qualifying.
Among the big winners Sunday was Sheila Beller, a resident of Bakersfield, Calif., who captured the title in the Red Chili competition of the regional cook off Sunday.
“I’m so excited,” said Beller, who now heads for Charleston, W.V. in October for the World Chili Championship and a chance to win $25,000. “This is my third time of going to the world championship and it will be as much fun this time as the other two times.
“Hopefully we’re going to drive and make a road trip out of it,” she said adding that she has been making chili since the early 1970s. “I love going on the road. You get to see so much country when traveling. I’m really looking forward to not only the championship but also the trip, too.”
Beller, who won $500 for her efforts, said she had a bad day Saturday simply because she was trying to do too much at once.
“I was in Chili Verde and Red at the same and it just got to be too much. On Sunday, I paid attention and I followed recipe.”
Beller has been to Mesquite three times.
“I love Mesquite,” she said. “We were here for Thanksgiving and like to come to Mesquite primarily because of the weather. The weather here is a big plus.”
Held in conjunction with the fourth annual Mesquite Motor Mania car show that drew more than 700 cars, Goodie Two Shoes undoubtedly benefited by the mass of fans and contestants that flocked the grounds of the hotel for three solid days.
Chili cook off enthusiasts from several states competed with cooks coming from as far away as Galveston, Tex. and Bakersfield, Calif. along with others from Canada and Colorado.
Further information regarding the chili cook offs can be found by visiting www.mesquitechili.com, or by calling Michele Evans of Mesquite Gaming at 888-711-4653, ext. 14.
GREAT FORSYTH CHILI COOKOFF RESULTS
The Great Forsyth Chili Cookoff and Salsa Contest welcomed 2 new ICS cooks on Saturday, January 14, 2012. With 25 Traditional Red, 14 Verde and 12 Salsa contestants the weather inside the beautiful Hickory Point Mall in Forsyth IL heated up while outside temperatures stayed very cold.
When ICS cooks worked their magic, 30 celebrity cooks were serving up enough homemade chili to raise thousands of dollars (final amount to be determined) for Catholic Charities and Salvation Army in another part of the Mall.
Each of the cooks were winners by showing up in spite of the cold and competing with some of the finest ICS chili cooks in the country, There were nine money winners for this event. Each first place winner qualifies to compete in the 2012 ICS Worlds Championship Chili Cookoff October 5-7, 2012 at Magic Island, Charleston, WV.
Salsa:
3rd place Joe Drejewski-Danville, IL
2nd place Jill Goldberg-Pewaukee, WI
1st place Scott Barrett-Willow Springs, IL
Verde
3rd place Juan Palacio-Champaign, IL (1st time ICS cook)
2nd place Tom Calvert-Taylorville, IL
1st place Larry Lentz-Nicholasville, KY
Red
3rd place (winning a tie with Aldo Klinghammer of Taylorville, IL) Joni Deere-Pana, IL
2nd place Jim Weller-Rockton, IL
1st place Juan Palacio- Champaign, IL (1st time ICS cook)
Contestants enjoyed a reception at the Homewood Suites following the cookoff with Buffelo Wild Wings, Debbies Diner and Ray’s Brand Chilli providing food and beverages!
RED APRON COOKOFF - FEBRUARY 25, 2012
Chili Cook,
Here’s a link to a great chili cook off in Bluffton,SC that will be held on 2-25-12!
http://www.blufftonselfhelp.org/chili/
I understand that there will be some “Food Network” stars in attendance as well.
Hope to see you there.
Michael Freedman
Greg Caron came back to CT for a day to greet returning troops. Please click on the title to view the video.
Laughlin Regional Results
It was a gorgeous day for a cookoff! Yes, you heard that correctly—-temperatures were in the 70’s and NO WIND! Well, maybe a little breeze late in the afternoon, but not so you’d notice.
This weekend would have been JR’s 96th birthday. He was missed by all. However, Margo came to cook, accompanied by Dave and Kathy Hipskind. It was great to see them. Barry Steinberg celebrated his 69th birthday and I celebrated my 75th. Sadly, we also mourned the unexpected passing of Steve Wright with a brief memorial at the cooks meeting.
There were cooks from Illinois, Ohio, Connecticut, Colorado and Canada, as well as from California, Arizona and Nevada. Among the officials, judges and competitors in the various divisions, we counted 16 World Champions, including the reigning World Champions in Salsa and Traditional Red Chili. That only goes to show what a truly tough contest this is.
There is always a quality raffle here and this year surpassed them all. The raffle was conducted by the Rotary Club of Laughlin, spearheaded by chilihead Tony Inglese. The top prizes were a helicopter ride with Don Laughlin himself and a three-day, two-night stay at the Golden Nugget, including dinner.
Gary and Dawn Nehf coordinate the cookoff for Patty, the Golden Nugget Director of Hotel Operations. Gary also serves as Chief Judge. I was Chief Scorekeeper, assisted by Nicole Caimi, Allene Macklin, Louise Dinnewith and Ellen Dyer. They did an outstanding job of tallying the results with speed and accuracy. Chief Wrangler was Dennis Macklin. Bob Dyer helped in several areas and Pete Caimi was, as usual, everywhere—-keeping an eye out for any place that needed his help. Dave and Carol Hancock were also in attendance.
Everyone agreed that this was one of the best Laughlin cookoffs ever, especially the winners, who were:
Salsa (24 contestants—two tables):
4th - Dave Schulman
3rd - Judy Omerza, a former Salsa World Champion
2nd - Dione Cooley, a former Salsa World Champion
1st - Jim Beaty, the 1986 Traditional Red World Champion
Chili Verde (34 contestants—-two tables)
5th - Armando Sanchez
4th - Irene Menchaca
3rd - Bob Hall, a former Chili Verde World Champion
2nd - Steve Crawford, 2nd place in Chili Verde at the 2011 World’s Championship
1st - Skip Cooley
Traditional Red Chili (68 contestants—-four tables)
5th - Miranda Beaver
4th - Bob Plager
3rd - Tish Crawford, the reigning Salsa World Champion
2nd - Eileen Beaty
1st - Margo Knudson, a former Traditional Red World Champion
Good luck to all of the winners in West Virginia in October. See you down the chili trail.
Submitted by Karen Ray
