One Of State Fairs “Hottest” Foodie Attractions Moves To Wild Rose Jefferson This Year

With the cancellation of this year’s Iowa State Fair, one of the “hottest” draws for food lovers for the past seven years will be relocating to Wild Rose Casino and Resort in Jefferson. The Mother Podolak’s Chili Contest, is sponsored by Wild Rose founder, Gary Kirke, and he says it will be “full steam ahead” for this event. “The chili contest is such a highlight that we couldn’t let a year go by without hosting. Plus, this year we are celebrating our fifth anniversary of Wild Rose coming to Jefferson, so this is the perfect recipe for a savory celebration,” Kirke says. The contest is named after the mother of Kirke’s longtime friend and football player, Ed Podolak, who was a standout at the University of Iowa, going on to play for the Kansas City Chiefs who won the Super Bowl during his rookie year. His mother’s chili was a much-appreciated staple at Hawkeye tailgates and in the press room. Ed Podolak will be one of the celebrity judges for the contest along with: voice of the Hawkeye’s, Gary Dolphin; Hawkeye basketball commentator, former Chicago Bulls guard and NBA champion, Bobby Hansen; BaconFest Founder, Brooks Reynolds; and Greene County journalist, Chuck Offenberger. Prize money is doubled this year, with the winner taking home $1,000. There is a $500 prize for second place and $150 for third. Deadline for registering an entry is Thursday, Aug. 13 at 5 p.m. for the Saturday, Aug. 15 judging. There is a $20 entry fee which includes an apron and other gifts. The rules and entry procedures can be found below.
_____________________________________
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.