Wild Rose Casino and Resort in Jefferson is celebrating its fifth anniversary next month with an Iowa State Fair favorite.

The Mother Podolak’s Chili Contest has been a mainstay at the State Fair for seven years, and due to the fair being cancelled this year because of COVID-19, the contest sponsor and Wild Rose Founder Gary Kirke decided to move the competition to Wild Rose in Jefferson. The judges for this year’s contest includes the Voice of the Iowa Hawkeyes Gary Dolphin, former NBA player and Hawkeye basketball standout Bobby Hansen, Cooper resident Chuck Offenburger and Iowa BaconFest Founder Brooks Reynolds.

The contest will be held Saturday, August 15th at 2:30pm in the casino parking lot to comply with COVID-19 precautions. There is a $1,000 first prize, and second and third place will receive $500 and $100 respectively. Contest rules include beef as the featured protein, using original recipes, and entries will be judged on taste, appearance, and creativity. There is a $20 online entry fee and all entries are due by August 13th at 5pm. There is a maximum of 50 entries. See the list below for full contest rules and entry procedures, as well as entering the contest. 

To Enter the Contest:

https://wildroseresorts.tix.com/Event.aspx?EventCode=1185893

RULES

1. Create a chili recipe which must include beef and traditional chili spices.
2. Recipes need to be original.
3. Other proteins may be included, but beef must be the predominant protein.
4. Other ingredients such as beans, peppers, etc. may be added at the contestant’s discretion.
5. No toppings or garnishes may be included.
6. Entries will be judged on Taste (40%), Appearance (30%), and Creativity (30%).

ENTRY PROCEDURES

1. Entry fee is $20 on Wild Rose Jefferson Tix page.
2. Enter contest via website. Entry due date: Thursday, Aug. 13, by 5 p.m.
3. Wild Rose will assign participant an exhibitor’s number.
4. All Chilis must be presented in a slow cooker (such as a Crock-Pot) with exhibitor’s number.
5. Chili must be checked-in at Wild Rose Jefferson by 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 15.
6. Chili must include printed recipe; do not include name on the recipe (only use exhibitor number).
7. Maximum number of entries is 50.