CONTESTANT RULES AT A GLANCE
COOK • COMPETE • GIVE BACK
Thank you for joining the Battle! Here's everything you need to know to make your competition experience smooth, fun, and delicious.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Friday, October 9, 2026 | Anderson County Farmers Market
Presented by Value Village Collective
3:00 PM — Contestant Setup Begins
Contestants may arrive and begin setting up their stations
5:30 PM — Doors Open
Guests arrive and the tasting begins
6:00 PM — Official Judging Begins
Judges will begin evaluating contestant entries
8:00 PM — Awards
Winners will be announced during the event
YOUR BOWL
Choose ONE competition category:
CHILI
Bring your best traditional or specialty chili.
UNIQUE
Get creative! A savory or specialty bowl that doesn't fit the traditional chili category.
SWEET
Your best dessert or sweet creation served in a bowl.
Give your creation a great name and be ready to tell guests what makes it special!
HOW YOU'LL BE JUDGED
Judges will consider:
Taste & Flavor — 40 points
Flavor, seasoning, balance, and overall deliciousness.
Creativity — 20 points
Originality and what makes your bowl stand out.
Presentation — 15 points
Appearance and presentation of your entry.
Texture & Consistency — 15 points
Appropriate texture and consistency for the dish.
Overall Experience — 10 points
Would the judge want to eat it again?
TOTAL: 100 POINTS
Judges' decisions are final.
PEOPLE'S CHOICE
The judges aren't the only ones who get a vote!
Event guests will have an opportunity to select their favorite bowl for our People's Choice Award.
Bring your people! Invite your family, friends, customers, coworkers, and supporters to come taste your creation and vote.
WHAT TO BRING
Contestants are responsible for bringing the supplies needed for their station, including:
Please do not assume equipment or supplies will be provided unless specifically communicated by the event team.
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ENTRY & SERVING RULES
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Each team or individual may enter one bowl category (chili, unique, or sweet bowl).
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Contestants must register before the deadline (September 15).
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Each contestant is responsible for preparing their own dish.
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A minimum of 50 tasting portions must be provided (more portions = more chances for votes).
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All samples should be 3 to 4 ounce tasting-size portions.
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Contestants should not encourage or pressure guests to vote for them. Samples available while supplies last.
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Contestants should arrive at least 45 minutes before the event begins for setup.
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Permission to decorate the table as you see fit — table creativity is part of the judges' score!
FOOD SAFETY GUIDELINES
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Hot foods must be served hot (140°F or higher).
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Cold foods must remain properly chilled (40°F or below).
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Contestants must list any common allergens (nuts, dairy, shellfish, gluten, etc.).
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Must use disposable serving utensils.
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Keep food covered/protected when appropriate.
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Use clean hands/gloves and clean serving utensils.
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Keep your station clean.
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Notify event staff immediately if you have a food-safety concern.
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GENERAL EVENT RULES & SPORTSMANSHIP
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Respect fellow contestants and guests. Unsportsmanlike conduct results in disqualification. Judges' decisions are final.
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No outside alcohol allowed.
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Participants are responsible for keeping their area clean.
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Organizers reserve the right to refuse any entry that does not meet health/safety guidelines.
MAKE YOUR STATION STAND OUT!
Decorate your station. Promote your business. Create a memorable dish name. Bring your personality!
This isn't just a competition—it's a community fundraiser!
Your participation helps Value Village Collective support programs focused on:
Budgeting • Credit • Entrepreneurship • Homeownership • Economic Empowerment
LET THE BOWLS BEGIN!
Contestant Entry Fee: $50 or $50 Gift Card for Raffles & Silent Auction
Questions? Contact VVC at 864.626.4663 or [email protected]
2315 N Main Street, Suite 204,
Anderson, SC 29621, USA
864.626.4663
[email protected]
The Value Village Collective is a registered
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
EIN: 93-3979730
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