By Bonnie Culverhouse

For 33 years Minden Medical Center has been sponsoring a chili cook-off benefiting Minden St. Jude Auction. This year is no different – at least from last year.

According to coordinator Randy Stevenson, last year was the first time the cook-off was not sanctioned by CASI (Chili Appreciation Society International).

“And I believe we made more money,” he said. ““This is strictly a hometown event now. CASI was more concerned about the cooks who came from out of state rather than fundraising. When we decided to bring everything centered in Minden we raised about 3 times as much money even though we didn’t have as many cooks.”

Although they didn’t quite meet the goal of $10,000 last year, Stevenson believes they will exceed it in 2024.

“I think we could make as much as $15,000 this year, if the weather cooperates,” he said. “The last couple of years, it hasn’t been too good. If we can get a good day that Saturday (February 10), we will make it.”

Although no longer sanctioned, the cook-off will be conducted under CASI rules. Chili must be cooked from scratch on site the day of the cook-off. All chili must be prepared in the open. Commercial chili powder is permissible, but complete commercial chili mixes (just add meat) are not permissible. No fillers like beans, macaroni, rice, hominy, or other similar ingredients are permitted. Cooks must prepare and cook in a sanitary manner.

By today (January 24), only 7 chili cooks have registered. A normal number is 30 to 35 pot stirrers. Registration takes place until the morning of the event. Cook-off time is from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Tasting cups will be sold for $5 each.

Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/minden-st-jude-chili-cookoff-2024-cook-registration-registration-780202987137

Facebook Page Link: https://www.facebook.com/mindenchili

Sponsors:

• Title Sponsor
  • Mike’s Hometown Spirits
• Partner Sponsors:
  • Minden Family Dental
  • KASO AM 1240 / KBEF 104.5 FM
  • Kepler Creek Outdoors
• Gold Sponsors:
  • Wimberly Agency
  • Passages Hospice
  • Res-Com Services
  • Louisiana Cat
  • Southern Tire Mart
  • Dixie Overland Construction
  • Bob & Sandy Wilkie
  • Smokin’ J’s
  • Defiance Energy Services, LLC
  • Edwards Energy
  • Bonsall Signature Homes
  • Timberland Services, LLC
  • Gulf States Oilfield Services, LLC
  • Pratt Industries

Hard Times Band and MoJo of Shreveport will be the entertainment beginning around 10 a.m.