- TEAMS: An entry may consist of one “head cook” and other assistant cooks as desired. However, only the “head cook” and one assistant will gain free entry to the event. All other assistants must buy an entry ticket. The “head cook” and one designated assistant will receive a cooks’ badge in order to allow us to strictly enforce this rule. If purchased prior to the event, entry tickets are 130 pesos for all members of your team other than the “head cook” and one designated assistant (tickets are 150 pesos if purchased the day of the event).
- TENTS: Each team will be assigned 1 tent (possibly to share with another team), one table and 2 chairs. We will provide each team with 1 propane burner to warm your food (or 2 if you are entering both the chili and the charro beans contests). You must bring all other needed equipment and supplies. No open or wood fires – no holes or dug pits will be permitted.
- COOKING: You do NOT have to cook your food at the site. You may cook it at home before the cook-off and simply warm it at the site. There are no rules regarding ingredients – just make your best beans! You ARE required to prepare at least 6 liters of beans, in order to allow attendees a taste. We will provide tasting cups and spoons for the public.
- SCHEDULE: You may arrive at the site as early as 7:30 a.m. Volunteers will be present to show you where your tent is located and to help you carry your things to your tent. Your set-up must be complete by noon. There will be a cooks’ meeting at noon. At the meeting, you will receive a styrofoam container and a secret number. The judging will be anonymous, based on your secret number. You are required to fill your styrofoam container and take it to the designated judging spot promptly at 1:00 P.M. The gates will open to the public beginning at 1:00 p.m. Winners will be announced between 4:30 and 5:00. At 5:30, you may close your booth and begin to remove your belongings. There will be volunteers present to help you carry your things to your vehicle.
- DECORATIONS/BEST BOOTH CONTEST: You can be as creative as you like with decorating your tent. Signs, tables, chairs, balloons – whatever decorations you want. By entering either the Best Charro Beans or the chili contest, you will be automatically entered in the Best Booth contest – there is no entry fee and no need to sign up. Anonymous judges will be inspecting all the booths to choose the winner. The winner will be announced between 4:30 and 5:00.
- BEVERAGES: YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY FORBIDDEN TO BRING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OF ANY KIND ONTO THE PREMISES, OR TO SELL OR GIVE AWAY ANY BEVERAGES OF ANY KIND. ANY CONTESTANT WHO VIOLATES THIS RULE WILL BE DISQUALIFIED. There will be a bar on site that will sell water, soft drinks, beer, margaritas and other alcoholic beverages (including tequila and rum by the bottle). All proceeds of the sale of beverages at the on-site bar go directly to the San Miguel Community Foundation, and it is a primary source of revenue from this event.
- PARKING: If you arrive early enough, you may park in the hotel parking lot. The hotel will only allow us to use ½ of the parking lot, reserving the other half for hotel guests. If you do not arrive early enough to park in the lot, you may still drive into the lot to unload your things, and then remove your vehicle to find street parking.
- CONDUCT: The “head cook” is responsible for the conduct of the participants and guests in his/her area and also for keeping the area neat and clean. You should bring your own trash bags so that you can clean your area completely when you leave. Leave it cleaner than ya’ found it!
