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 the local mountain area fire departments.  The Big Chili Cook-Off draws a large family audience of nearly 3,000 attendees each year. This one-day event features artisan, business and food 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.

 

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 only 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 VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES, 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 are pre-assigned.  You will not be able to select your booth space.  Vendors are 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 are allowed at the discretion of event director.  Vendors must provide their own display tables, chairs, booths, canopies, serving equipment, etc.  If using a tent, per the Evergreen Fire Department, each tent leg must have 40 lbs. weight.  Weights may be secured with bungies or straps.  No generator power is available.  If you require power use and want to provide your own generator, you must get designate this on your 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

Food vendors may check-in and begin setting up their booth on Friday, September 11 from 2-5pm or Saturday, September 12 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).  Vendors must stay until event close on Saturday.  No early departures on Saturday!  

 

BOOTH FEES

Booth fee is $190 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, ice, 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.

• All food vendors must provide their own 5 lb. Type ABC fire extinguisher.

• 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, so plan ahead.

• 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.

• If using a tent, each tent leg must have 40 lbs. weight.  Weights may be secured with bungies or straps.  This is a Evergreen Fire Rescue requirement.  ALSO your cooking tent must have a tag affixed to it stating its made of fire resistant material.  

• 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 WRISTBANDS & ADDITIONAL WRISTBANDS

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

Food Vendors will be notified by email if the booth application has been accepted.  Food vending opportunities are limited, so get your application in early.  Past participation does not guarantee acceptance.  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, 2026.

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SALES TAX INFO

If exhibitors are selling items, it is their responsibility to collect and submit the appropriate sales taxes to state and federal agencies for the Buchanan Park location. For tax information, go to https://tax.colorado.gov/contact-us .  Do not contact Big Chili with your tax questions. 

 

QUESTIONS? 

Direct further inquiries to info@bigchili.org