The International Chili Society is a non-profit organization that sanctions chili cook-offs around the globe in an attempt to raise money for charity and to promote the cooking of world-class chili. It is the largest food contest organization in the world and all winners of ICS sanctioned cook-offs are invited to compete for cash prizes at the World's Championship Chili Cook-off held annually each fall. If you love to cook chili, it only costs $50 per year to join the ranks of thousands of other ICS members worldwide who cook, judge and have a good time in helping raise needed funds for worthwhile charities. These members proudly call themselves Chili heads!

To participate in the red chili and green chili categories you DO need to be a member. The initial $50 membership fee can be sent in with your application to the City of Fairview. However, you DO NOT need to be a member to compete in the People's Choice or Salsa Category. The winners of the Red Chili, Green Chili, and Salsa category (if you are a member) will all qualify to compete in the ICS World's Championship Chili Cook-off.

Red chili is defined by the ICS as "any kind of meat or combination of meats, cooked with red chili peppers, various spices and other ingredients with the exception of BEANS and PASTA which are strictly forbidden." Green chili follows the same definition except that it must be cooked with green chili peppers. Winners of each category are chosen by ICS judges.

The People's Choice category is not an ICS sanctioned event and the winner is chosen by the public. There are less rules and stipulations to follow than red and green chili but the People's Choice must contain beans or pasta.

Yes! You are allowed to cook red chili, green chili and People's Choice chili if you so desire. Just remember that red and green chili must be cooked at the event while People's Choice can be cooked beforehand. You must be a member of ICS ($50) to cook red or green chili. Each category that you enter is an additional $35. You can use the same booth to display each variety of chili.

The entry fee for the salsa competition is $15. There are no rules with regard to preparation or ingredients. Salsa can be prepared in advance or made at the festival.

A panel of prominent local citizens will serve as judges and evaluate each chili based on several distinct categories including taste, texture, consistency, aroma, and color.

The People's Choice chili is chosen by the residents of Fairview and surrounding communities. Each tasting kit comes with several tickets for tasting as well as one ticket that will be used for voting. The chili that collects the most People's Choice tickets will be the winner.

Each team will be provided with a 10' x 10' tent. You will need to bring any necessary cooking supplies (including a stove), tables, chairs, and decorations.

Booth set up will begin at 7:00 AM on Saturday, August 28 and must be completed by 9:00 AM. Cars will be allowed into the cook-off area during this time to assist in the setup process but must be moved by 9:00 AM. Daylong parking will be available at the nearby Target shopping center parking lot.

Tasting kits will be available the day of the event for $2.00 each. Tasting kits include 4 tickets for individual tastings, 1 ticket for voting, a napkin and a spoon.

Yes! In addition to the Chili Cook off and the Poker Run, there will be a variety of great music and entertainment occurring throughout the day.

The ever-popular Fairview Kids Carnival will be up and running all day! For those who don't get their fill on chili, there will also be a variety of local food vendors available along with Bumper's Grill & Bar hosting the Beer & Wine Garden for adults.