THOUSAND OAKS Conejo Valley Chili Cookoff
Regional Contest, April 28, 2013
Conejo Creek Park
Janss Road & Highway 23
Thousand Oaks, CA
chili-cook-off.com - check for updates!
Children's entertainment, bingo, local and regional
bands
The Thousand Oaks Chili Cook-Off is a
regional event on the International Chili Society tour. The
winner advances directly to the World Championships to
compete against the best. The thousand Oaks Chili Cook-Off,
sponsored by the Rotary club of Thousand Oaks, has been held
every year since 1977. It began as a fundraiser, started by
the Chamber of Commerce.
In 1983, the Chili Cook-Off moved to its present location
where Janns road meets the 23 Freeway, and usually takes
place the Sunday before the Conejo Valley Days festival
opening. Sponsorship of the event was officially taken over
by Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks and today, more than 170
volunteers coordinate and work at the event. The
Chili-Cook-Off attracts thousands of visitors each year. The
proceeds are returned to the community through the many
programs sponsored by the Rotary club of Thousand Oaks.
Chili Cook-Off visitors have the opportunity to taste
more than 75 different types of chili during "cooking time."
In fact, visitors "vote" to determine the winners of the
"People's Choice" chili championships. A group of local
judges determines the winners of the "Best Booth" and
"Showmanship" contests. The main chili judging is performed
by a panel of International Chili Society members/cooks
along with local dignitaries, some of whom have served on
the panel for years. However, the day does not revolve
around chili alone. Local service clubs and other food
choices and there, as well as hands-on exhibits by the Fire
Department, DARE and the Marine Corps. Entertainment is
featured throughout the day.