This popular event, presented by the nonprofit organization Big Chili Cook-Off, Inc., is an annual event held for the purpose of bringing the community together to support seven local mountain area fire departments.  Big Chili Cook-Off typically draws a large family audience of nearly 3,000 attendees each year. This one-day event features artisan and business vendors, a great selection of chili to taste and sample; and awesome entertainment.  Big Chili Cook-Off Music & Arts Festival is promoted throughout the local Evergreen and Denver metro area through local media outlets, small businesses, and civic organizations.

LOCATION

Big Chili Cook-Off is held at Buchanan Park in North Evergreen, at the corner of Highway 74 Evergreen Parkway and Squaw Pass Road.  Evergreen, Colorado is located approximately 10 miles south of I-70 and approximately 11 miles from Morrison/C-470 area.

 

ARTISAN BOOTH ELIGIBILITY

The Artisan Area is intended to be for artists to showcase and sell their handmade and original works.  It is not for import items or pre-manufactured items.  All work must be the original creation of the artist.  Artist must submit three (3) electronic photos of their work.  Photos must accurately represent the work.  Submitted applications will then be reviewed and you will be notified of your acceptance or not.   
 

ARTISAN AREA & BOOTH INFORMATION

At Buchanan Park, the Artisan Area is located in a centralized outdoor area. Each Vendor will be assigned a 10’ x 10’ space on grass. Booth assignments will be pre-assigned. You will not be able to select your booth space. Vendors will be allowed to drive to their booth location during set-up (to unload) and tear down (to pick up equipment) only - but contingent on weather and turf conditions. Vendors must provide their own display tables, chairs, booths, canopies, etc.  NEW - per the Evergreen Fire Department, each tent leg must have 40 lbs. weight.  Weights may be secured with bungies or straps.  This is a new weight requirement and will be enforced onsite.  If you need to rent a tent, table and chairs, contact Big Chili Event Director at 303-973-1209.  We encourage you to create a visually pleasing booth area, with a sturdy 10’ x 10’ canopy (no plastic tarps), good signage and a trash receptacle in your booth.  Come prepared!  Colorado weather can change quickly.  Come prepared for sunshine, but throw in rain covers and tie downs just in case an unexpected storm rolls through!  You will be emailed booth set-up and parking information approximately TWO weeks prior to the event.

 

CHECK-IN ­ SET UP ­ TEAR DOWN

Vendors may check-in and begin setting up their booth Friday, September 5 from 2-5pm or Saturday, September 6 from 7:30am – 9am.  Load-in times may be staggered to alleviate bottlenecks and access issues. There will be close-by parking available, however it will be limited.  On Saturday morning, we encourage vendors to drop off their booth items, then drive to one of the event off-site parking lots.  Shuttle bus service will then be available (Saturday only).  No early departures on Saturday!  Vendors must stay until event close on Saturday.

 

BOOTH FEE

Booth fee is $135 per 10’ x 10’ space. There are no discounts for additional spaces.  Fee must be included with this completed, signed application to be considered.

 

VENDOR WRISTBANDS & ADDITIONAL WRISTBANDS

For each 10’ x 10’ booth space, vendors will receive two (2) vendor admission wristbands.  If you pay for two booths, you will receive four wristbands – etc.  If you require more than two vendor wristbands (for one booth), you must pay for the additional wristbands.  Fees must be included with this application.

 

APPLICATION DEADLINE ~ ACCEPTANCE ~ CANCELLATION POLICY

You will be notified by email if your booth application has been accepted.  If not selected, you will be refunded your fee (less a $25 application fee).  No refunds will be given after August 15.  Call immediately if you must cancel after you have applied. Those not giving advance notice will be considered “no-shows”, and will be barred from participating in the future.  No refunds will be given if the event is canceled due to weather issues or other causes.  Application deadline is Friday, August 29, 2024.

 

SALES TAX & INSURANCE

As business owners, it is your responsibility to collect and submit the appropriate sales taxes to state and federal agencies for this given location – if you are selling items.  For tax information, go to https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/tax.  Do not contact us with your tax questions.  Due to insurance requirements for the event, each vendor shall obtain general liability insurance of no less than $1,000,000, naming the Big Chili, Inc. as an additional insured and provide a certificate of insurance stating such.  If you do not have insurance, contact the Big Chili office at 303-973-1209 for insurance purchase options.

 

QUESTIONS? 

Direct further inquiries to Event Director- Lora Knowlton at 303-973-1209.  You can also email questions to info@bigchili.org