This popular event, presented by Big Chili Cook-Off, Inc., is an annual event held for the purpose of bringing the community together to support six local mountain area fire departments.  The Big Chili Cook-Off typically draws a large family audience of over 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, Conifer and Denver metro area through local newspapers, small businesses, and civic and church groups.

LOCATION – BUCHANAN PARK, EVERGREEN

Buchanan is located 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.

 

WHY SHOULD BUSINESSES, ORGANIZATIONS and INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATE AS CHILI COOKS?

Because it’s all about supporting the local fire fighters, having fun and the CHILI, of course!  Who has the best?? Chilis are judged and awarded for their top flavors.  Show your support for the local volunteer fire departments and show off your chili recipes!

 

CHILI COOK SAMPLING ~ JUDGING ~ AWARDS

Chili Cook booths will prepare a one ounce chili sample (sampling cup provided by Big Chili) for event attendees.  Judging will be done by a panel of volunteer judges.  Chili Cooks will be asked to submit a numbered sample of chili for blind judging.  The judges will divide up the entries and then choose entries to move in to the final judging round.  Judges will then select the winners of the Red, Green, Vegetarian and Firehouse categories.  The category of People’s Choice Chili will be selected by event attendees via ballot.

 

ELIGIBILITY

Chili Cook Vendors MUST read the Chili Cook Rules accompanied with this application.  Applications will be reviewed then you will be notified of acceptance.  Businesses, organizations and even individuals can participate and have a chili cook booth. 

BOOTH INFORMATION

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 - however contingent on weather and turf conditions.  Chili Cook Vendors must provide their own display tents/canopies. 

 

NEW REQUIREMENTS 2025

Per new enforced safety rules and regulations from Evergreen Park & Recreation District AND Evergreen Fire Rescue:

1. All tents MUST be weighted with at least 40 lbs. on EACH tent leg.  This is safety code to secure the tent in case of high winds.  Officials will be onsite inspecting your setup.  If you do not have at least 40 lbs. on EACH tent leg, your tent will not be allowed.  NO EXCEPTIONS. 

2. Propane tanks MUST be secured so the tank will not roll over.  The easiest and most economical solution to this new requirement is to put your propane tank in a plastic milk crate and be placed on the ground (not on a table top).

3. All cooking tents MUST have a tag affixed to them stating it’s made of fire resistant materials.  If it’s doesn’t have the appropriate tag, find another tent that does.

4. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that each chili cook provide their own fire extinguisher (a 5 lb. Type ABC Fire Extinguisher).

5. Officials from Evergreen Fire Rescue will be onsite inspecting chili cook booths to ensure the requirements above are met.

 

MORE BOOTH INFORMATION

Big Chili will provide Chili Cook Vendors one 8’ table, two chairs, tasting/sampling cups and napkins.  NO ELECTRICITY IS AVAILABLE.  Create a visually pleasing booth area, with a sturdy 10’ x 10’ tent/canopy (no plastic tarps), good signage and a trash receptacle.  Colorado weather can change quickly.  Come prepared to enjoy the sunshine, but bring rain covers and tie downs just in case.    Each chili cook booth will receive TWO vendor wristbands.  Chili Cook sponsors will also receive TWO vendor wristbands/badges.  Wristbands/badges give admission and access to the event.  Cooks will not receive admission tickets.  Anyone assisting with your Saturday morning set-up and/or in your booth during the event will need a vendor badge.  If you need additional vendor badges for those helping in your booth, order and pay for them in advance with this application.  Limit for additional badges is six.  Vendor badges will then be picked up when you check-in on site at the event.  Cook packets will be emailed approximately TWO weeks prior to the event.  They will not be mailed.  These packets will include event schedule, access pass for set-up, set-up info, parking info, etc. 

 

CHECK-IN ­ SET UP ­ TEAR DOWN

Vendors may check-in and begin setting up their booth on Friday, September 6 from 3-6pm OR Saturday, September 7 from  6:30 - 9am.  Consider bringing in your heavy items on Friday to make your load-in easier on Saturday morning.  There will be security on Friday night.  Close-in parking is available, however it will be limited.  Cooks should drop off their booth items, then drive to one of the event off-site parking lots.  Shuttle bus service will then be available.  No early departures on Saturday!  Cooks must stay until event close on Saturday.

 

CHILI COOK RULES

Click here for 2025 CHILI COOK RULES.
 

CHILI BOOTH FEES

Individual/Business Chili Booth fee is $35 for ONE Chili entry; $45 for TWO or MORE Chili entries.

Restaurant Chili Cook Booth fee is $45 for ONE Chili entry; $55 for TWO OR MORE.

BUSINESS Chili Sponsor is $125 (be recognized as a sponsor on our website and with signage at your booth)
All fees must be included with this completed, signed application to be considered.

If you want to be on the official ballot and eligible for cash prizes and awards, you MUST submit your entries no later than Sunday, August 31 at 5pm. 

 

APPLICATION DEADLINE ~ ACCEPTANCE ~ CANCELLATION POLICY

You will be notified by email of application acceptance.  No refunds will be given after August 15.  Call us if you must cancel after acceptance. “No-shows” will be barred from participating in the future.  No refunds given if the event is canceled due to weather issues or other causes.  Application deadline is Sunday, September 1, 2024.
 

QUESTIONS? 

Direct further inquiries to Chili Cook Coordinator- Annette Schavietello at  annette.bigchili@gmail.com .   

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