Cook Off Questions

[Race5]

Me and a Buddy are thinking about Joing in a cookoff next month. Never entered one. Only helped with 2 and it was not on the 1st day.
That means " I have no clue what I am getting myself into".

Neon Moon cook-off Sept 12 &13 LaPorte Tx

$165.00 entry fee
$25.00 per item fee : Brisket, Ribs, Fajitas
$10.00 optional catagory item fee : Spirits, Deserts
$20.00 clean up fee

Spaces 20' x 20' additional space $25.00

All of the rules seem to be simple anf pretty self explanitory except Two:

1.
Mystory Box : All chefs will be given a mystery box containing mystery ingredients and be required to create
1-3 dishes using all ingerdients.

2.
Chefs coice : Cooks any thing but desert and this is the only container that can be garnished. Presentation is 1/2 of the score. (I can only assume this is an open catagory but it is not in the top portion of the rules)

So, my questions are:

What can I expect to see in a "Mystery Box"?

What is your interpitation of Chefs Choice? (this will determine if I use a third cook) Have another Buddy that makes
a Venison stew that melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting thirds and more.

[Swamp Donkeyz BBQ]

Chef's choice is usually anything but brisket, ribs, or chicken. I've never had a mystery challenge before.

[Scott P]

The mystery box sounds very tv show inspired. It actually sounds like a lot of fun. At least you have the internet at your disposal to help come up with a recipe. I would just pack plenty of spices, veggies, rice, pasta, etc to help complete the recipe.

Chef's choice is more or less an open category. From my very limited experience, baby back ribs or bacon wrapped shrimp do very well.

[Big Ed]

I'm guessing this is a non sanctioned event, All those BBQ shows are sure trying to screw up a good thing!

[Race5]

Starting to sound like somthing that would be a waiste of time. So how do I find out about santioned events?
When and where?

[Scott P]

I wouldn't call it a waste of time at all. Everyone has to start somewhere.

[Big Ed]

Look up IBCA or LSBS, there are a bunch of cook-offs all over the great state of TEXAS!!
International barbeque cookers association
Lone Star barbeque society