Menudo Bowl Cook-Off Entry Form

Welcome

Thank you so much for your interest in participating in the upcoming Laredo Crime Stoppers Menudo Bowl. We are excited to celebrate the 30th Menudo Bowl. The Menudo Bowl is a keystone in the community and in large part Laredo Crime Stoppers MAIN FUNDRAISER that helps support our crime-fighting efforts.

The Menudo Bowl will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, between 10:00a- 7:00p at Webb County Fair Grounds (1848 Event Center) on Hwy 59

Donations made by individuals and businesses are tax-deductible and go toward the operation, education, and rewards offered by Laredo Crime Stoppers to Tipsters in the community who call anonymously to report criminal activity. 

Application Deadline: Friday, January 16, 2026 No late entries will be accepted. *Entry fees are scheduled to increase closer to the event date. 

Limited Space Availability. Applications is subject for approval pending review. 

Political Participation Disclaimer
All individuals who are currently candidates or incumbents appearing on an active ballot are required to participate under the Political Candidate Sponsorship Categories outlined in this packet. This includes participation in the cook-off, booth space, or any public-facing activity where campaign visibility may occur.

Elected officials who hold a sitting role but are not on the ballot during the current election cycle may be recognized under standard sponsorship levels and are not required to register under political categories as long as their presence is non-political in nature and does not include campaign promotion or distribution of campaign materials.

Laredo Crime Stoppers reserves the right to review and appropriately classify any participant to ensure compliance with event guidelines, maintain neutrality, and provide a fair experience for all candidates and attendees.

Mandatory Cooks Meeting: A mandatory cooks meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 7 pm at the LIFE Pavillion. Team entry numbers, maps, and any other communications will be issued at this meeting. The Laredo Crime Stoppers Menudo Bowl committee will be available to answer any questions or concerns about your participation (not attending is subject to disqualification) NO REFUNDS.

*Event Venue Disclaimer
The 1848 Event Center is currently undergoing remodel and construction. At this time, certain aspects of planning for the Menudo Bowl remain on hold until we have confirmation of the venue’s completed areas and accessibility. Because construction timelines may shift, there are several unknowns regarding how the work may affect available space, layout, or overall event flow.

We kindly ask for your patience and understanding as the Menudo Bowl Committee makes decisions based on the most accurate information available. Your support, flexibility, and continued belief in our mission mean everything to us.

Thank you for standing with Laredo Crime Stoppers and for contributing to our nonprofit organization.

 

General Rules

1. All Menudo Entries become the property of Laredo Crime Stoppers (LCS). 
2. Space per team: *12 feet wide X 30 feet deep. 
3. A four *(4) feet Fire Lane must be maintained between each team booth. No items may be placed in this area. They must always remain clear for the safety of all teams. For Teams 1-15 a 10 feet clearance from Exhibit Barn must be maintained at all times. For Teams 16-50 a 10 feet clearance from the fence must be maintained at all times. * More spaces will be added at the discretion of the Menudo Bowl Committee. 
4. No Team is allowed to have a portable toilet inside their space. Toilets are provided by Crime Stoppers in designated areas only. 
5. Only one space is available per team in each category; for additional spaces, please contact our office to be placed on the waitlist—sponsors are exempt.
6. No ATV. Golf Carts, Polaris, motorized vehicles to be used by teams unless authorized by LCS Staff. Must request for authorization and be provided an approved pass. 
7. Equipment & materials must fit into the designated area. All trailers must be parked in a designated area away from the booth. 
8. Each team is to provide their own tables, chairs, trashcans, and cooking equipment.  
9. Team space must always remain clean & presentable and must be cleaned before leaving. 
10.  Five entry wristbands per team. Extra team volunteers must pay an entry fee. 
11.  Beverages may be purchased at the concession. ABSOLUTELY NO Alcohol or Glass containers may be brought in. 
12.  The team will be disqualified if any refreshments from the ice chest are given out to the public. 
13.  The team may NOT sell any food or drinks. Water containers for cooking are permissible. 
14.  The team will be issued an “OFFICIAL MENUDO BOWL CUP” for menudo entry for judging. All cups are identical and must not be marked or altered in any way, MARKED OR ALTERED CUPS WILL DISQUALIFY TEAM. 
15.  The amount of menudo to be cooked is at the team's discretion. 
16.  No pre-cooked menudo may be brought in. 
17.  All preparations must be done on-site. Menudo may be pre-cut and cleaned in advance. 
18.  Teams must provide their sampling bowls, cups, and spoons for public menudo tasting to compete in People’s Choice Award. 
19.  NO Menudo may be given to the public until 2:30 p.m. doing so “Will Warrant Disqualification”. 
20.   Teams are NOT ALLOWED to collect People’s Choice Ballots from the public or ask for ballots in exchange for a sample of menudo. 
21.  Voting Ballots must be turned in by the public to designated box located at the Headquarters. 
22.  In case of a tie, tie-breaking judges will make the decision. 
23.  Teams are NOT allowed to move picnic tables or green trash cans that are set up on the grounds. 
24.  Do NOT throw oil, menudo, or charcoal on the ground. The clean-up fee is refundable upon inspection of the team's space. 
25.  Charcoal is to be watered down before disposing in the dumpster. 
26.  Bring a container to put waste products and dispose of it in the dumpster. 
27.  Laredo Crime Stoppers reserves the right to refuse the use of any banner/ sign displaying the name of any product in conflict with a current sponsor. 
28.  All participants are restricted to placing banners/ signs in any area unless Laredo Crime Stoppers has given permission. Contact the Laredo Crime Stoppers office if you have questions about your banner/ sign being in compliance. 
29.  If Team acquires a sponsor, ALL advertisements or promises to sponsor must be done outside the Menudo Bowl event. ANY ADVERTISEMENT OF NON- SPONSORS of LCS MB EVENT WILL BE REMOVED AND WILL WARRANT DISQUALIFICATION OF PARTICIPATION. 
30.  Political materials cannot be distributed on the grounds except from a candidate’s sponsored team booth. 
31.  Laredo Crime Stoppers, Inc. does NOT endorse any political candidates, campaigns, or causes at federal, state, and local levels at any time or in any manner. 
32. Removal from the grounds and future participation is subject to change as a result of non-adherence to rules.

Please be advised that rules and guidelines are indicative of the Webb County Fair Grounds terms of use. Participants are encouraged to regularly check the official Menudo Bowl website or contact the event organizers for updates. Rules and regulations for the Menudo Bowl 2026 are subject to change at the organization’s discretion to ensure the event runs smoothly and fairly. Your participation implies acceptance of any changes made to the rules. 

Menudo Bowl 2026 Entry Fees

Open Division 
1st Place: $1000 and Trophy 
2nd Place: $750 and Trophy 
3rd Place: $500 and Trophy 

Sponsor / Media Division 
1st Place: Trophy 
2nd Place: Trophy 
3rd Place: Trophy 

Community Leadership Division
1st Place: Trophy
2nd Place: Plaque
3rd Place: Plaque

Law Enforcement Division
1st Place: Trophy 
2nd Place: Plaque 
3rd Place: Plaque

People’s Choice
1st Trophy 
2nd Place: Plaque 
3rd Place: Plaque

An entry fee is required per space and is payable upon submission of the entry form. Space will be designated in the order of fees received. There are no refunds for canceling entry after space has been confirmed. Disqualification will result from non-adherence to rules. 

Open Division Entry Fee: +All participants are required to submit a seperate $100 Refundable Clean up fee |NO OTHER ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER DEADLINE- NO EXCEPTIONS

Additional Spaces upon availability, no extra cup just space. 

Sponsors/ Media are defined as individuals/ businesses who have provided sponsorship or in-kind services. *Contact the office for sponsorship opportunities. 
All Political Candidates please refer to application: www.laredocrimestoppers.org 

Clean Up Refunds

Each team will be given a clean-up form in your packet that must be signed by and given to committee members after your space has been inspected in order to receive the $100.00 clean-up fee per space. Refunds must be picked up from February 2, 2026 at 320 E. Ryan St. between 10 am-6 pm only. 

Refunds not picked up will be considered a donation to Laredo Crime Stoppers. No Exceptions.

Team Members

(No More Than Five Team Members)

Team names may not be like Acme Team #1 and Acme Team #2. 

Team names may not be offensive and are subject to approval by Laredo Crime Stoppers Menudo Bowl Committee.  

Waiver

Laredo Crime Stoppers, Inc. reserves the right to refuse any application. All rules and regulations are enforced and subject to change without prior notification. Participation in this event is at the risk of the participant. In case of bad weather, no refunds will be issued, it will be considered a donation to Laredo Crime Stoppers. Participants assume all responsibility for themselves and any minors under their supervision. Participants agree to hold harmless and indemnify Laredo Crime Stoppers, Inc., its board of directors, Webb County Fair Grounds, Webb County, and any other person or parties organizing and staffing the event.

Participants/Team members, by signing this application agree to abide by all rules, and safety regulations, agree to accept final decisions made by judges, and allow inspections of ice chest, containers, and all items inside the booth. Failure to comply may result in your disqualification and/or removal from grounds. Laredo Crime Stoppers, Inc. does NOT endorse any political candidates, campaigns, or causes at federal, state, and local levels at any time or in any manner.

Laredo Crime Stoppers, Inc.  or anyone associated with this cook-off will not be responsible for theft or damage to equipment, or bodily injury of any kind; decisions of committee chairperson and judges are final. By entering this contest, you agree to abide by all the rules. If not, Laredo Crime Stoppers has the right to ask you and your team to leave the cook-off. All information is subject to change.

A service fee is applied to online registrations to ensure secure digital registration system. 

Please note, $100 clean up fee will be collected on the day of the meeting.

Cash and Check payment may be done at the Menudo Bowl Headquarters

Mon-Thurs. 9am-6pm at 320 E. Ryan St., Laredo, Texas 78041