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The Colorado Chili Smackdown

 Saturday March 31st, 2007 Longmont, Colorado

Bailey 2007 | Colorado State 2007 | Colorado Chili Smackdown | Golden 2006 | 22nd Annual Chugwater CCO

Colorado Chili Smackdown

The Colorado Chili Smackdown – a Tradition Begins.

It was a perfect day for a chili cookoff.  After the wind abated, the temperatures rose to the low 60’s with high scattered clouds.  Cooks from Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming descended on the Boulder County Fairgrounds to help kick off what event organizers hope will be an annual stop on the road to the World Championship in Terlingua Texas.

Cooks competed for those coveted wins in the chili world: Red Chili, Green Chili, and Hot Wings.  Local restaurants also competed for the top spot in chili.

“It’s all about great music and great food, all for a great cause” says Steven Lee, head cook for the event. This year’s beneficiary was the Boulder County Fair.   “Spicy Food, Cold Beer and Hot Music, what else can you ask for?” said Lee.

And it wasn’t just about the food.  There were plenty of activities for the whole family.  A giant slide, caterpillar crawl, Jumpy jumps, and carnival games kept the kids entertained.  For the adults there was a Beer Garden and Silent Auction.  And the whole family enjoyed the Music from “Something Underground” and dancing, including dance lessons.  All while munching away on hot dogs, wings and of course, CHILI.

As day turned to night the judges began their task of determining the best of the best.  A daunting task, considering the quality of chili and wings offered up.  But at last the judges were done, the score sheets tallied and the winners announced.

In the restaurant division, Hunters Restaurant & Pub took 1st place and the title “Best Chili in Longmont”      The Armadillo took 2nd place and Santiago’s took 3rd.

The Showmanship category was won by Scott Harris of Scottsbluff, NE.  With his 2nd place win in Showmanship, Steve Lee of Longmont qualified for the World Championship Chili cookoff, in Show held the first Saturday in November in Terlingua Texas.

In Hot Wings, Steve Lee of Longmont took top honors with Christie Batie of Loveland coming in a close 2nd.

Lightening struck twice for Steve Lee who also took first in the Green Chili category.

Only 7 points separated the top 10 finishers in the Red Chili category. But in the end Mike Gatschet of Lakewood, CO won the day.

The Boulder County Fair would like to thank everyone who came out and volunteered, ate, played, danced and oh yes Cooked.  We hope to see you all again next year at this event and in August for the 4th Annual Mountain States Chili Cookoff, now held at the Boulder County Fair, Rodeo and Livestock Show!

 

 

For a slideshow of this wonderful event, press on the button below

Event Photos

 

 

And the Winners Are:
  CASI Red              
1 Mike Gatschet Lakewood CO   6 Bill Britton Laramie WY
2 Lyman Wilkinson Loveland CO   7 John Montgomery Golden CO
3 Kyle Haberman Scottsbluff NE   8 Robert Batie Loveland CO
4 Rocky Kimball Highlands Ranch CO   9 Brent Klingforth Ft. Collins CO
5 Steve Lee Longmont CO   10 Karen Hendricks Broomfield CO
                 
                 
  Showmanship              
1 Hot Trottin Scott Harris Scottsbluff NE        
2 Warriors of the Crimson Pepper Steve Lee Longmont CO        
3 White Knuckle Chili Kyle Haberman Scottsbluff NE        
                 
                 
  Green              
1 Steve Lee Longmont CO          
2 Brent Klingforth Ft. Collins CO          
3 Mike Gatschet Lakewood CO          
                 
  Wings              
1 Steve Lee Longmont CO          
2 Christi Batie Loveland CO          
3 LeMonte Gregory Parker CO