BETHEL SPRINGSFALL FESTIVAL · 2026
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BETHEL SPRINGS FALL FESTIVAL

Chili Cook-Off Rules

Come join the fun and see who makes the best chili in town!

When & where

Sunday, October 18, 2026 · Judging at 5:00 PM

Bethel Springs Community Center
South Parkway, Bethel Springs, TN

The festival runs from 4:00 to 8:00 PM.

Entry Rules

  1. The Chili Cook-Off is open to individuals, families, businesses, churches, clubs, and community organizations.
  2. There is no limit on cooking style. Traditional chili, beans, no beans, spicy, mild, secret family recipes, and creative variations are all welcome.
  3. Chili must be prepared by the contestant or team entering it.
  4. Each contestant or team may enter one chili.
  5. Contestants should bring enough chili for judging and public sampling. Approximately 2 gallons is recommended.
  6. Chili should arrive fully cooked and ready to serve. Limited preparation or reheating may be done on site if appropriate equipment is available.
  7. Contestants are responsible for providing their own:
    • Crockpot, roaster, or other warming equipment
    • Extension cord, if needed
    • Serving utensil
    • Any toppings or garnishes they wish to provide
  8. The event will provide tasting cups, spoons, and judging materials unless otherwise announced.

Food Safety

  1. Chili must be kept hot during the event. Contestants should maintain their chili at a safe serving temperature.
  2. Contestants are responsible for using clean utensils, containers, and safe food-handling practices.
  3. Anyone serving chili should avoid direct hand contact with ready-to-eat food.
  4. Please identify any major allergens used in your chili, particularly ingredients containing milk, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, or sesame.

Judging

  1. Chili will be identified by an entry number so judges can evaluate entries without knowing who prepared them.
  2. Judges will score each chili based on:
    • Flavor
    • Aroma
    • Texture/Consistency
    • Appearance
    • Overall Impression
  3. Judges' scores will be combined to determine the winner.
  4. In the event of a tie, the entry receiving the highest Flavor score will win. If still tied, the judges will make the final determination.

Awards

Awards may include:

  • 1st Place Chili
  • 2nd Place Chili
  • 3rd Place Chili
  • People's Choice Award

The People's Choice Award will be determined by votes from festival attendees.

General Rules

  1. Family-friendly team names and decorations are encouraged.
  2. Contestants are responsible for keeping their serving area reasonably clean.
  3. Event organizers may disqualify an entry for unsafe food handling, unsanitary conditions, or failure to follow the cook-off rules.
  4. Most importantly, have fun. This is a community chili cook-off, not a televised culinary death match.