Patty Aragon Green Chile Classic
Rules & Regulations
Please read the cook-off rules carefully before registering for the Green Chile Classic.
Event DateSaturday, September 26, 2026
Public TastingBegins at 12:30 PM
Green Chile Classic Rules
Drop off: 9:15 AM-10:30 AM. Give yourself plenty of time for parking and chile check-in. Judging starts promptly at 11 AM.
Green chile only. No red chile will be accepted.
- Entrants must provide a minimum of 4 quarts to enter. Please bring at least one full-sized crockpot per entrant.
- If you arrive with less than 4 quarts, you will be disqualified from the competition.
- Green chile with meat is defined as any meat or combination of meats cooked with green chile peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.
- Meatless green chile combines green chile peppers, spices, and non-meat ingredients such as beans, tofu, vegetables, and similar ingredients. If a broth base is used, it must be vegetarian.
- Entries must include a complete ingredient list. We do not need the recipe, just the ingredients. No entry will be accepted without a clear list of ingredients.
- Chile must be prepared and arrive on site at serving temperature between 9:15 and 10:30 AM on Saturday, September 26, 2026. It must be brought in a crockpot. No chafing dishes allowed.
- We provide ladles and volunteers to serve chile. No sides or extras. All ingredients must be in the pot. The crockpot must be labeled on the bottom to maintain anonymity.
- Chile may be disqualified at the discretion of PAGCC if it does not meet quality standards.
- Cooks are to prepare and cook their chile in as sanitary a manner as possible.
- Judges will select the home cook winner for meat and veggie. Prizes and trophies will be awarded as follows: First Place Meat – $300 plus trophy; First Place Vegetarian – $300 plus trophy; Second and Third Place – medals and bragging rights.
- Judges select the best commercial entry. The first-place winner, whether meat or veggie, will receive a trophy and a full-page ad in the Pagosa Springs Dining Guide, a $700 value.
- The public will vote for the overall People’s Choice award for home cook and commercial entries. Winner of People’s Choice – $300 plus trophy. Second and Third Place – medals.
- Entrants must pick up their chile containers between 3:00 and 3:30 PM. PAGCC is not responsible for crockpots that are not picked up.
- Please only enter one category if you are not sure you will show up. We need all entrants to show up for the event to succeed.