Terlingua

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About Terlingua

Terlingua is in the Big Bend area of Texas. It is a long way from almost everywhere--and that is what the founders wanted when they thought this up. The big cookoff is held on the first Saturday in November. In 2009, it falls on November 7. The only thing that I can kind of compare it to is Burning Man with less art and more chili cooking. But I can only say that because I have never been to Burning Man.

Cooks compete for points to qualify to cook at the Terlingua International Chili Championship held every year on the first Saturday in November. This is the mecca of all chili cookoffs and is held at Rancho CASI de los Chisos in Terlingua, Texas. Rancho CASI is located on the North side of Highway 170, eleven miles west of Study Butte, 7 miles east of Lajitas, and about 200 miles south of the Middle of Nowhere. From Study Butte go west, past the ghost town and past the pirate ship (no, really) and turn right at the CASI sign.

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The event attracts all types of people and all fashion tastes. (See bottom left.) One tradition is just driving around the area. This is usually done on ATVs or just cars or trucks, but some people bring old clunkers that are cleverly decorated (read: spray paint) but my all time favorite is the Zebracorn. Pictured above, this guy made a bigger than life-size zebra that could transport three. The horn could shoot fire and the mane was made of fiber optics that changed color. Inside the body was the engine and it rolled around on four wheels sort of like a tall go-cart. But the coolest thing was out of the back end was a hose and the driver-builder could push a button and pump margarita out.

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The four-day event begins each year on the Wednesday before the big weekend, and culminates on Saturday with the chili cookoff. The gate admission of $25 per person, includes a camping spot (where ever you can find) and live entertainment Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

Admission for Saturday only, the actual day of the cookoff, is $10 per person.

If you are thinking about going, remember it is in the desert. The weather can be extreme and you will need to bring everything. CASI does provide portable toilets, and sells ice and beer, but after that you're pretty much on your own. I'm the one in the teardrop camper. So far the only one down there.