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Come early at 6pm to setup for chiliDescription
The End of Season Star Party AND The “It’s Gettin’ Chili” Cook-Off✨
Join us for an evening of hot competition and cool stargazing! Calling all chili enthusiasts and night-sky dreamers to our Chili Cook-Off and Stargazing event! If you’ve got a chili recipe that can pack a punch, bring your best Traditional (no beans) or Homestyle (with beans) chili and enter the competition.
Not a chef? No problem! Come hungry, savor a variety of chilies, and cast your vote as a People’s Choice judge.
White/blond/chicken chilies (and side dishes) are welcome to be served, but only red chilies will face off in the official contest. And don’t hold back on those toppings – all the fixings are welcome! Trophies and the ultimate chili bragging rights await the top 3 winners! Once you’ve voted on your favorite chili, head outside and our observatory volunteers will take you on a cosmic journey, showcasing the wonders of the night sky through our telescopes (weather permitting).
This will be our final big event of the year, and we’re closing it out with a big bang! Dress warm, it's chilly out there. Come for the chili, stay for the stars – we can’t wait to share this unforgettable evening with you.
For our Non-Competitors / Tasting Judges:
• Anyone can judge (and compete) including the general public and our observatory volunteers. • Tasting and judging will take place between 6:30 and 7:30pm.
• Results will be announced between 7:45 and 8:00pm.
• Iced Tea will be available. Feel free to bring your own drinks.
• Observing opportunities will be between 7:00 and 10:00pm.
Be sure to bundle up; It may be cold.
For Our Chili Competitors:
• Primary cooking must be done at home, although "last minute ingredients" can be added during your set-up. Table space with electrical outlets will be provided for your crock pot, cast-iron pot with hot plate, or other serving container.
• Only red chilies (traditional Texas and home style) will be judged. White chilies are welcome to add variety but are not part of the competition.
• Set-up will be between 5:30 and 6:30pm. Service begins at 6:30. You can set up after 6:30, but you may miss out on valuable votes. • Anyone can compete (and judge) including the general public and our observatory volunteers.
• Trophy winners will be announced between 7:45 and 8:00pm
• Please bring your own chili serving ladle and other serving utensils if your optional topings need them. Service bowls, spoons, and napkins will be provided for our tasters.
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- This is a FREE event, but donations are appreciated
- No Registration
- Open to Everyone
- Great for the Entire Family!
- Arrive Anytime Between the Times Given
- Stay for the Entire Event or As Long As You Want
- No Park Permit Required
- No Telescope Needed
- But you are welcome to bring your own equipment!
Who
All ages
Cost
FREE event, but donations are appreciatedHow
Come hungry for Chili and have an appetite to look at the night sky
More Info
Kids activities in our classroom and even hold a real meteorite! Meet Mike the Meteorite and take a photo of our celestial traveller!
