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 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 and Denver metro area through local newspapers, small businesses, civic and church groups and the Evergreen Park & Recreation District. 
 

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.

 

WHY DO WE HAVE FOOD VENDORS IN ADDITION TO CHILI COOK BOOTHS?

While everyone loves great Chili at the Big Chili Cook-Off, we want to offer some other options for our event attendees.  Typically, we have approximately 3-4 food vendor opportunities available – in addition to all of the Chili Cook booths.  We seek food vendors who have experience serving at large outdoor festivals and events - and have a menu variety.   DUE TO THE LIMITED NUMBER OF FOOD VENDORS, we reserve the right to limit the number of like-type food vendors.
 

BOOTH INFORMATION

Each Vendor will be assigned a 15’ x 15’ space on grass. If you require more space, you will need to pay for an additional space.  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 always contingent on weather and turf conditions. Food trucks will be allowed at the discretion of event director.  Vendors must provide their own display tables, chairs, booths, canopies, serving equipment, etc.  If using a tent, you must provide adequate weights or method to secure the tent in case of high winds.  If you need to rent a tent, table and chairs, contact Big Chili Event Director at 303-973-1209.  If you require power use, you must order it in advance with this application.  We encourage you to create a visually pleasing booth area, with a sturdy canopy (no plastic tarps), good signage and trash receptacle.    Come prepared!  Colorado weather can change quickly.  Come prepared to enjoy the 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 on Friday, September 6 from 2-5pm or Saturday, September 7 from 7:30am – 9am.   Load-in times will 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).  Vendors must stay until event close on Saturday.  No early departures on Saturday! 

 

BOOTH FEES

Booth fee is $175 for a 15’ x 15’ space. There are no discounts for additional spaces.  No electricity is available!  All fees must be included with this completed, signed application to be considered.

 

IMPORTANT FOOD VENDOR INFORMATION

• Food trucks are allowed.

• All food vendors need to provide all necessary items to prepare their food and serve it. This includes chafing dishes, cooking utensils, coolers, etc. The festival does not have cooking or storage facilities available. You must also provide disposable plates, napkins and eating utensils.

• You MUST bring your own trash receptacles and liner bags. No grey water or grease barrels provided - please bring your own.

• Bring your own ice for your food storage, etc. If you need additional ice during the event, you will need to go to the local grocery store to purchase for your use. Access in/out of event to do so will be very limited.

• All food vendors MUST post their original “Permit to Conduct A Temporary Food Service Establishment in Jefferson County” in their booth. It is the food vendor’s responsibility to comply with required food permits and licensing and to be up to speed on any changes to temporary food permitting guidelines.

• Download Form 3610 at https://www.jeffco.us/DocumentCenter/View/16024/3610---Temporary-Food-Event-Vendor-Application?bidId=    Jefferson County Public Health officials may be on-site and inspecting your food operation.  It is imperative that you have all the proper permits and be prepared for their inspections!

• Electricity is NOT available.  If this presents a problem for your operation, let us know.

• Food vendors need to provide a current certificate of insurance with liability limits of $1mm per claim and $2mm for all claims. Big Chili, Inc. must be listed as Additional Insured.  If you do not have insurance or have insurance related questions, contact us.

• Food vendors may only sell non-alcoholic beverages such as soda, juice and water. No alcoholic beverages of any kind may be sold by food vendors.

 

VENDOR BADGES & ADDITIONAL BADGES

For each 15’ x 15’ booth space, food vendors will receive three (3) vendor admission wristbands.  If you pay for two booths, you will receive six wristbands – etc.  If you require more than three vendor wristbands (per 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.  Food vending opportunities are limited, so get your application in early.  No refunds will be given after August 15.  No refunds will be given if the event is canceled due to weather issues or other causes.  Application deadline is August 15, 2024.

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SALES TAX INFO

As business owners, it is your responsibility to collect and submit the appropriate sales taxes to state and federal agencies for this given location.  For tax information, go to https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/tax.  Do not contact us with your tax questions.

 

QUESTIONS? 

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