CASI "Red River Red" Cook-off

The CASI category is our most popular category as this event was built as a CASI sanctioned event.  Cooks that participate in the CASI category can earn points towards the grand championship in Terlingua, Texas.  For those not in the know, CASI stands for"Chili Appreciation Society International." Entries in this category have a chili powder base and are not allowed to have any fillers like beans or rice.  All entries must be cooked on site either in the park or in  front of your RV (RV parking around the park available during the cook-off).



CASI's website says it best: "Our mission is to promote chili and raise money for charity."  CASI cooks are some of the most fun people in the southwest, and some of the most generous too.  With CASI's help, "Hot Chili Days, Cool Mountain Nights" has been able to raise money for the Red River Valley Charter School each year.  For information about the CASI category contact John Montgomery or register here.



New Mexico Green Chile State Championship

2010 TIARA Award Winner - "Best New Event"

(Tourism Industry Association Recognition Award)

It has been said that green chile is the defining element in New Mexican cuisine. Be it mild or hot, in a sauce or a stew, no New Mexican cook-off is complete without green chile.


Since the inception of "Hot Chili Days, Cool Mountain Nights," green chile has had a place at our "chili" cook-off as a people's choice competitor.  As that category began to increase in popularity we realized that we weren't doing it justice.  Once again, Red River is proud to host the New Mexico Green Chile State Championship in conjunction with our CASI, BBQ, and salsa cook-offs.  Entrants in this category will now be judged by a panel instead of by people's choice, and one winner will hold the honor of being New Mexico's 2010 state champion.  All entries must be cooked on site.  Think you can compete?  Take a look at the registration information here.



Lone Star BBQ Society Cook-off

100% Payback with 100% Match (up to $2000)!


We are excited to welcome back the Lone Star BBQ Society for "Hot Chili Days, Cool Mountain Nights." Last year, Red River got to boast the first Lone Star BBQ Society cook-off outside of Texas.  We expect our second year to be even better! This cook-off will also take place in and around Brandenburg Park with three mouth-watering categories: 1/2 chicken, pork spare ribs, and brisket. Winners will be determined by a panel of judges and all entries in this category must be cooked on site.  If you have a great BBQ recipe but haven't mastered the technique of taking it on the road, feel free to enter the open category which will be judged by people's choice.  For information on the LSBS check out their website or register here.


Cook's Party
Friday, August 20th
6:00 pm
Bull o' the Woods Saloon
Music from the Highway 38 Houndogs


Turn in Times - Saturday
12:00 pm - BBQ Chicken
1:00 pm - Pork Spare Ribs
2:00 pm - CASI & Green Chile
2:00 pm - People's Choice (ballots counted)
3:00 pm - BBQ Brisket

Interested in judging CASI, Green Chile, or BBQ? Email us!