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 1^st place and the title “Best Chili in Longmont”      The Armadillo took 2^nd place and Santiago’s took 3^rd.

The Showmanship category was won by Scott Harris of Scottsbluff, NE.  With his 2^nd 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 2^nd.

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 4^th Annual Mountain States Chili Cookoff, now held at the Boulder County Fair, Rodeo and Livestock Show!