Sylvia Corzan from the Patio Café took the Peoples Choice award in 2007. Barbara Ward won the 2007 ICS chili cook-off here and went on to win the world competition. She is pictured holding her prize. Advertisement

Get out those big pots folks; it's time for the annual chili cook-off and the more the merrier.

While most people just go to eat chili, not have to fix dinner and spend a little time out of the house with the kids, the competition can be more fun with a little involvement.

This year's event is going to be more structured concerning voting for the People's Choice award, than it has been in the past. Ron Frazier and Debbie Jones, are co-chairmen for the committee and Frazier said, "In the past this event hasn't really had any rules. This year we're setting guidelines as we go along so that next year it will be more organized."

The behind-the-scenes format is a little jumbled, at best, but for those who would like to participate, here's the plan.

Before the event even gets underway, there is a "cook's barbecue" hosted by the Lions Club, 6-8 p.m., Friday, May 16 at Petrack Park. At this time, the cost of the barbecue isn't known.

For Saturday, there are actually two events happening simultaneously.

The first event is a formal cook-off sanctioned by the International Chili Society. They have rules such as; participants have to be members of the ICS, the chili has to be cooked from start to finish on premise and there can be no beans or pasta in the chili.

There are only a few local competitors for this part of the competition. Bobbi and Norm Gaul, Cindy and Mark Haught and Fred and Leah Wieland are from Pahrump. Marty Lietner is from Sandy Valley and he will be cooking as well.

There must be at least 20 chartered members to hold the competition. Bobbi and Norm Gaul said, "We have at least 20 cooks, there's going to be a cook-off." The event draws ICS competitors from Nevada, California, Arizona and points further away.

The ICS judges will award prizes in two categories, chili and chili Verde (green chili) and prizes are: $500 for first, $300 for second and $200 for third in the chili category. The chili Verde is only awarded one prize and the prize is 50 percent of the total entry fees paid by ICS members. For a really big event, the cash could feasibly be more than first place for the chili.

The ICS event will be judged later in the afternoon.

On to the more fun stuff, the People's Choice Chili Cook-off. This part of the competition is open to anyone who wants to compete.

Businesses and individuals alike can cook at least two gallons of chili at home, bring a table, an apron, spoons to stir and to serve, and some napkins and set up for a day of fun in Petrack Park. There are no rules regarding ingredients.

The Chamber of Commerce will supply 2-oz. cups and plastic spoons for the public with the purchase of a ticket.

There is a side competition for the best setup, so plan to decorate - anything goes.

There will be prizes awarded in two categories; best table and best booth overall. The winners get a bottle wine from Pahrump Valley Winery and a plaque. The ICS competitors will be included in the judging too.

As for the People's Choice Chili Cook-off, the judging is done in two parts; first, the ICS judges will have a crack at it around 10 a.m. They will award a prize for first place only, in the form of a plaque.

The second part is judged by the attendees, who will get a "tasting kit" for $5. It includes one ballot to be completed after they've sampled various pots of chili. The ballot is turned in, counted and a winner will be announced at the awards ceremony around 4 p.m. ICS participants are included in this competition too.

The first place prize is a bottle of wine and a plaque. Second and third place receive a plaque.

The cook-off opens at 10 a.m.

This event is meant to be a day of fun for the whole family.

On the schedule are vendor booths for goods and services, a beer and beverage booth, live music provided by Dean West and the Smokin' Guns, games for the kids, games for the adults, free drawings for prizes donated by local businesses and the ultimate raffle for a "wagon-load of booze."

Ace Hardware donated a Radio Flyer wagon and Chamber members contributed everything from beer to bottles to fill the wagon. Tickets for the raffle are $1.

There will also be a grand prize cash giveaway in Chamber Checks just for being there and admission for the fun without the chili is free.

Vendors are still welcome to get in on the action and cooks are still welcome to apply.

Applications for participation in all forms are available at the Chamber of Commerce, second floor of the Nevada State Bank Building on Highway 160 or call 727-5800 for more information.