New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) has named Gary Chavez of Albuquerque, New Mexico, as the winner of the Giant Green Chile Cheeseburger naming contest. “We introduced the foam replica of the cheeseburger during the 2011 New Mexico State Fair and asked visitors to name the big guy.  We had a great response; but in the end we could only choose one winner, and “El Whoppo” just seemed to fit,” said Noreen Jaramillo, NMDA public information officer. 

Runners-up were also selected.  They are the ‘Green Chile the Kid,’ submitted by Ashley Quintana of Albuquerque and ‘The Zia Pleaza,’ suggested by Sharon Young of Ruidoso.

Close to 1,000 entries were submitted during the three weeks of the New Mexico State Fair.

“We want to thank everyone who entered the contest.  We had fun reading the name suggestions; and we believe the crowds had fun learning about these New Mexico food products,” said Katie Goetz, NMDA marketing specialist.  “The purpose of the burger is to show, in a very recognizable way, just what New Mexico agriculture is and looks like; everything in a green chile cheeseburger – from the wheat buns to the gooey cheese and famous green chile – is grown and produced right here in New Mexico!”