Howdy, y’all!
I’m writing to all y’all from sunny Ontario CA, where I am trying my best to get some CASI-sanctioned events going. And I’m asking for your help.
My biggest problem is getting people out here to cook our classic red chili. They want to see their onions, peppers and tomatoes, or – HORRORS! – they want to leave out the meat!?! Californians seem to prefer chunky chili to CASI’s “smooth combination of meat and gravy.”
And in my opinion, that’s great! I’ve had a lot of fun conversations about regional styles and tastes. Different strokes, and all that. But …
In mid-summer, July 14th, we have a fantastic opportunity to grow CASI out here in Windsor CA, the heart of Sonoma Wine Country (north of San Francisco).
The Windsor Service Alliance (their food bank) has invited CASI to provide structure for their fifth annual cookoff, which will benefit the local Fire Department and the high school Culinary Arts Department. They are very well-organized, and the promoter expects at least 35-50 CASI entrants. Homestyle, People’s Choice, and Showmanship will also be judged.
Please reread the paragraph before last, which ends with, “the heart of Sonoma Wine Country.” And please consider what a beautiful vacation this could be! I mean, think about it.  The middle of July in Texas vs the middle of July in Northern California? And so close to the ocean!
The cookoff takes place on Saturday, July 14, on the Windsor Town Green. And I could really use any help I can get – there is NO WAY I can monitor multiple tables by myself!
Head Judge, Head Showmanship Judge, Table Monitors, Talliers – calling all volunteers!
Most of the local hotels are offering generous discounts for the weekend, which is extremely rare for mid-summer/high season. The more people who take advantage of these discounts, the more they’ll be encouraged to offer them again.
Please feel free to contact me with your questions. If I don’t have the answer, I will find out!
And please let me know if you can help with this cookoff. I hope to see my CASI family represented in NoCal!
 
Pam Clark