4th Annual Battle of the Badges Chili Challenge

Saturday, January 16, 2027
1:00–4:00 p.m.
Oxford Civic Center

Contest Rules

Contestants must be pre-registered. No walk-ins will be accepted.
Registrations must be received no later than January 9, 2027.
Contestants must check in at the registration table at 12:00 p.m.
Each batch of chili must be prepared in advance.
Contestants are required to bring a crockpot-style cooker large enough to hold their chili batch.
Contestants should prepare 3–5 quarts of chili.
Contestants must bring an extension cord to ensure their crockpot can be plugged in.
All ingredients are acceptable. Contestants must submit an ingredient list to the Foundation via email before the event. Measurements are not required. Ingredient lists are collected to help identify potential allergens.
Contestants must rate their chili’s spice level on a scale of 1–10, with 10 being the hottest. This information is provided for tasters only.
Condiments for each contestant’s chili should be placed in separate bowls. Condiments are optional.
Each contestant will prepare one cup of chili for each judge. A runner will deliver the cups to the judges’ table.
Judges will not be allowed to see which contestant’s station each cup comes from before final judging.
Contestants are responsible for cleaning their stations.
Event staff will dispose of any items left behind after the event concludes.

NOTE: The Calhoun County Blue Line Foundation will provide sample cups, bowls, spoons, and napkins.

Judging will begin at 2:00 p.m.
Winners will be announced following the completion of judging.
Three rounds of judging will determine first, second, and third place.
The People’s Choice Award will be determined by the number of tickets received by each contestant.
An additional judging round will be conducted if necessary to resolve a tie.
All judging will be based solely on taste.

Each judge will sample the submitted chili entries and score them on a scale of 1–10 based on taste.
The top five entries will advance to Round 2.
In the event of a tie affecting advancement, a fourth judge will taste the tied entries and determine which advances.

Each judge will sample the remaining chili entries and score them on a scale of 1–10.
The top three entries will advance to Round 3.
In the event of a tie affecting advancement, the fourth judge will determine which entry advances.

Each judge will sample the three finalist entries and score them on a scale of 1–10.
The chili with the highest score will be awarded first place, followed by second and third place based on scores.
In the event of a tie, the fourth judge will determine the final placement.