4th Annual SWFHR Chili Cook Off

EVENT IS RESCHEDULED
TO A NEW DATE!!!

March 26th, 2022
(10 am to 2 pm)

March 12th, 2022
(10 am to 2 pm)

It’s time again for our annual Chili Cook-Off & Benefit to commemorate the founding anniversary of SWFHR.  This February marks the 12th year since the establishment of SWFHR and we’d like to invite you to celebrate with us on March 26th.  So, come out to 14811 SR31, Punta Gorda, FL, to enjoy the country outdoors, sun, horses, music, and hopefully cool weather to help judge a winner for this year’s Cook-Off.  This all-outdoor event is guaranteed to keep you and your family entertained.  Entry into the facility is FREE.  Additional fees will apply to many areas inside the event. (VIEW THE PRESS RELEASE)

This years’ contest winners will be happy to know that we’ve nearly doubled the prize-winning compared to years past.

Public welcome at 10 am.

The chili tasting phase begins at 12 pm

The contest is over at 2 pm.
Awards & Raffle drawings to follow

CONTESTANT, EVENT VENDOR, GARAGE SALE VENDOR, & SPONSOR options are available! Click the menu button that meets your want.

Do you use # hashtags?  You can search the latest through the Events’ own hashtag at #swfhr22cco (go ahead click the hashtag).

COVID
With COVID concerns you are more than welcome to wear a mask and with our large outdoor area, there is plenty of space to spread out.

Online raffle row

Activates on March 1st, 2022

2 weeks prior to the event we will offer you a chance to pre-purchase raffle tickets.  This also allows folks who live nationally to participate.  When it is active you will see a button that says “ONLINE RAFFLE ROW“. 

Until then we are always accepting new raffle baskets and items to add.  If you know of someone or you are willing to help us make this event highly successful with a donation of raffle items, email us direct at info@swfhr.org to let us know.

Online raffle row

is now active until the day of the event

Not able to attend? Or like to get a jump on things?  Here is your chance to bid on our raffle items before the event.  Come see our “Online Raffle Row” NOW active until 2 hours before the event ends.
(ends March 26th at 12 noon)

4th Annual SWFHR Chili Cook Off
Event Details

In Brief

The Benefit

Focused on family entertainment and engagement for free.  We focus on not charging folks for parking or entry so you can enjoy the event.  This annual celebration of the founding of South West Florida Horse Rescue exposes the public to our existence and showcases what we are doing while having fun visiting.  Music, Food, Raffles, Demonstrations, and Tours of the facility are just the minimum of what you will be exposed to.  Every year we add more to see at the celebration.  See this year’s list of vendors and all that is in store when you visit. 

Click the link EVENT SUPPORT.

Spring Tack & Garage Sale
open invite flea market

The public is invited to join in selling used (not new) items and free entry just an RSVP. 

SWFHR will accept local independent tack, yard, or garage sellers to set up their own station FREE OF CHARGE to hopefully help out our neighbors.  All we ask is for an RSVP (send email to info@swfhr.org, tell us how much space you need, and provide a contact phone#) so we can ensure safety and set up preparations.

View & Print our SPRING TACK & GARAGE SALE flyer.

Chili Cook-Off

This is a part of the whole benefit in its 4th year, our growing cook-off guaranteed to test your tastebuds.  Heat is not the focus but uniqueness is welcomed.
Held in and around SWFHR’s 150′ arena the Chili Cook-Off pits local competitors, some seasoned, and others new in a time-honored taste test to see who has the right stuff.  The tasting phase costs $10 (up to 10 contestants – $15 if over 13 contestants).

The contest starts at 12 noon.

Trophy & Cash prizes for the winners.

SPECIAL WINNINGS This years’ special add-on winnings for Judges winners are Championship Rings.

4th Annual Chili Championship Rings

Timeline

Some areas inside this Event will cost and need tickets to participate.  For ease, we’ve made a “Ticketing Tent” where all transactions for tickets will be done.  The “Ticketing Tent” will be located by “Monster” Raffle Row and the Chili Trolly Drop Off.

Here is the list of Ticket Infomation…

10:00AM

EVENT START

FREE

Gates will open to the public. All patrons will park in the 2 acres field at the front of the facility near State Road 31. Traffic guides will direct parking patterns. All patrons are expected to process through the Welcome/Check-In Tent to complete waivers and receive the event wristbands.

10:00AM

CHILI TROLLY START

FREE

There will be a transport trolly (holding approximately 18 people) picking up and dropping off patrons every 15min.  The trolly will transport from the Welcome Tent to the Event area and then back to the Welcome Tent
At the same time, the “Spring T&G Sale (flea market) will be open for shopping until 2 pm.

10:00AM

FLEA MARKET START

FREE

The “Spring T&G Sale (flea market) will be open for shopping until 2 pm.

10:00AM

"MONSTER" RAFFLE ROW STARTS

VARIABLE COST TICKETS
[ORANGE TICKET] The final phase of our popular “Monster” Raffle Row.  In conjunction with the online version (visit the ONLINE RAFFLE).  In-person ticket sales will be offered. – Raffle Row Tickets are located at the Event Ticket Tent.

10:00AM

PONY RIDES STARTS

VARIABLE COST TICKETS
[BLUE TICKET] Pony Rides offered by ENDLESS TRAILS.  Lark and her Horse () & Pony () will provide children & adults a fond experience of being led around on horseback, in a safe manner. – Pony Ride Tickets are located at the Event Ticket Tent.

10:30AM

Hayrides - start

$1 per person - free up to age 16 (Tickets required) - 30min
[GREEN TICKET] “Farmer” Randy will tow folks with his Ford tractor and a trailer full of hay around the facility in style.  Rides run every 30min +/- depending on volume – Hay Ride Tickets & Pick up located at the Event Ticket Tent.

10:30AM

Guided Tours - start

$5 per person - FREE UP TO AGE 16 (Tickets required) - 30min
[WHITE TICKET] Guided tour of our memorial ground and a portion of the horses we presently care for.  This is a smaller or miniature version of our normal tours.  Some tours will be walking others will be via our touring car (it only holds 6 people). – Tour Tickets are located at the Event Ticket Tent.

11:00AM

K9 Demonstration

Free - 30min

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit will demonstrate tactics of the handlers and their K9s.  2 canine teams will be on-site for this demonstration. – Held in the demo field.

12:00pM

Calendar Girls dance demonstration

free

Providing dancing entertainment to initiate the Chili Cook-Off start. 

12:00pM

Chili tasting contest starts

$10 per person for tasting tickets (up to 10 contestants - $15 if over 13 contestants)
[RED TICKET] This is your chance to vote for the winner of the best chili in the Arena.  Purchase your ticket for $10 (up to 10 contestants – $15 if over 13 contestants), in person, at the “Chili Boss” Tent at the entrance to the Chili Arena

Patrons will receive a row of tickets (color TBD) to be equal to the number of contestants in the arena.

Patrons will give 1 ticket to receive 1 tasting cup of chili.  Patrons do not have to use all their tickets. Patrons can taste test multiple times at the same contestants’ tent provided the patron has tickets left. – Taste Test Tickets are located at the Event Ticket Tent.

1:30pM

Last Hayride & tour

$1 (Hayride) / $15 (tour) per person for tasting tickets

Last Hayride & Tour for the day.

2:00pM

End of Event

End of the event.  Winner ceremonies to follow.

2:05pM

Winner Ceremony

Free

The winner of Raffle Row, Chili Cook-Off, and all other prize-oriented competitions to be announced.

layout

EVENT MAIN AREA

Download Event Main Area Image (last update 3/25/22)

CHILI ARENA

SPONSOR FORM
Online
Print

VENDOR FORM
Online
Print

CONTESTANT FORM
Online

Print

EVENT VOLUNTEERS
Online Sign-up

support

As more join this event we will continue to update the lists

MUSIC

DJ Colton Lee of
Rustic Recordings

Food Vendors (4)

Cesar’s Tacos
(Authentic Mexican tacos)

Dee’z Diner
(Variety of Non-Pork Food)

Kimmy’s Ice Cream Treats
(Ice Cream)

Ashley’s Sweet Apples
(Variety of Gourmet Apples)

Tours

Guided Tour – Sample
by volunteers
Adults – $5
Kids under 13 – FREE

Charity Vendors (6)

Crafts/Merchandise Vendors (5)

Lularoe Cait Roesler
(LuLaRoe – women’s clothing)

All Handmade, All for the Horse by Melanie
(stuffed horses, purses, jewelry, napkin rings)

Scentsy by Rachel
(Scentsy – scent wax warmers & more)

Mama’s Blessings
(Custom Tumblers, Shirts, Signs)

Northern Light Glass & Jewelry
(Stained Glass Jewelry & more)

Business/Promotion Vendors (3)

Equidae Equine Insurance
(Business Promotion)

Equine Hemp Solutions
(Product & Business Promotion)

Humana Insurance
(Business Promotion)

DEMONSTRATORS & ENTERTAINMENT (11)

“Pony Rides” by Lark of
Endless Trails Stables
(price $5)

Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office
K9 Unit
(Tactics demonstration)
FREE to watch

Aftershock Drill Team
(Equestrian drill team show)
FREE to watch

Calendar Girls Florida
(Dance show)
FREE to watch

Carolyn of “Schultz Circus”
(Intermitant Aerialist Show)
FREE to watch – tips appreciated

Down The Hatchet
(Axe Throwing Entertainment)
Cost TBD

Artworks by Dallas
(Face Painting)
FREE – tips appreciated

Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida
(Ambulance Unit)
FREE to interact with

Everglades Equipment Group
(John Deere equipment demo)
FREE to interact with

Mellie the Math Dog
(Static Demo)

Hay Ride Tour
by volunteer Randy
$1 for all

sponsors

As more join this event we will continue to update the lists

PLATINUM

Anonymous Sponsor (Fort Myers)

GOLD

updating soon

silver

Omni Title of SWFL

Hooters of South Florida

bronze

Dixie GMC

brick

Rick’s Printing
(donated Print Media provider)

Magic Dumpster
(donated Dumpster service)

North Fort Myers Sanitation
(portion donated event port-o-lets)

Penske – Fort Myers
(Chili Arena Chairs)

Everglades Equiptment Group
– SR82
(Tractor for ‘Chili Trolly’)

CONTESTANTS

As more join this event we will continue to update the lists

We only have room for 15 contestants
The cash prize winnings are:
– 1st – $250 $500
– 2nd – $175 $325
– 3rd – $100 $175
(THANK YOU TO EVERGLADES EQUIPMENT GROUP – THE WINNINGS HAVE INCREASED)

CONTEST PRIZES

1st Place -Grand Champion

$500 (Cash) &
Championship Ring

The best of the best in the Judges Panel.

2nd Place - Champ Runner Up

$325 (Cash) &
Championship Ring

The NEXT of the best in the Judges Panel.

3rd Place - Champ Runner Up

$175 (Cash) &
Championship Ring

The third best in the Judges Panel.

People's Choice Award

$100 (Cash) &
Award

Best of the best in the People’s tasting phase.

Host Choice Award

$50 (Cash) &
Award

The best chili chosen by the hosts.

Best Booth Award

$50 (Cash) &
Award

Best decorated booth overall.

Contestant RULES

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23rd, 2022, AT 8 PM EST
EVENT DATE: SATURDAY  MARCH 26TH, 2022
FROM 10 AM – 2 PM | JUDGING STARTS AT 12 NOON
THE DEADLINE IS NOW WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23RD, 2022


CONTESTANT RULES & CONDITIONS:

  1. Contestants must file either an electronic or paper Entry Form with a registration fee to reserve a spot.
  2. The event site will open for registration check and set up at 7 a.m.
  3. There will be no parking allowed inside the cook-off area unless otherwise approved.
  4. Ingredients must be pre-cooked prior to the commencement of the official cook-off. Meat may be treated, pre-cut, or ground, but must be cooked. Each contestant is solely responsible to make sure that no ingredient is undercooked and/or that there is no risk of food born illness. You must be willing to eat your own chili.
  5. The registrant must be 18 years or older
  6. The contest is limited to 15 contestants.
  7. No restrictions as to chili ingredients but you must be willing to provide a chili ingredient list to Chili Bosses.
  8. Contestants may bring things to garnish their chili.
  9. Contestants must set up their “stations” and provide their own equipment to include but not limited to: tables, chairs, tents, pots, aprons, propane tanks (if owned), extension cord (no less than 14ga and no more than 25ft long), or other items you might need.
  10. Contestants are encouraged, urged, and otherwise motivated to decorate their area, tent, table, and event themselves.
  11. Contestants will be required to have a representative ready to serve at the start of the event and continually available till the end of the event.
  12. Contestants are highly suggested to cook at least 6 gallons (approximately 6 crockpots) of chili or to have enough chili for a 2-hour taste testing time frame.
  13. All contestants must be ready to turn in samples for judging 15 minutes after the tasting phase starts. Tie or Disputes will be settled by Cook-Off organizers.
  14. SWFHR will provide Tasting Cups, Spoons and Ticket Jars, and Access to Power while available (power is limited… we suggest that you bring a source of keeping your chili warm).
  15. Each contestant is responsible for policing and cleaning up the area at the end of the day and removing all items from their area. No items shall be allowed to remain after the close of the contest unless pre-approved.
  16. It’s up to you, the contestant, to entice the patrons to try your chili and cast their vote for you. Try sweetening the patrons’ experience with crackers, cornbread, be creative and engaging. The more chili you have, the more potential votes you can serve.
  17. Winners are to be announced approximately 15 min after the end of the event.

REGISTRATION FEES:

  1. Registration Deadline is listed above!!
  2. The registration fee of $20 is applied to only 1 initial recipe and tent space up to 12’x12′.  Additional recipes may be entered for $10 per and additional tent to avoid confusion between recipes.
  3. Registration fees may be paid via cash, card, or check to South West Florida Horse Rescue, Inc. and have a memo of “Chili Cook-off”
  4. Fees paid prior to the registration deadline are eligible for return should a need for cancelation arise.
  5. Cancelation requests must be directed to info@swfhr.org or (239) 822-5366 on or before the deadline.

PRIZES:

  1. Chili is blind judged on Aroma, Eye Appeal, Taste, and Overall Satisfaction. The decision of the judges is final.
  2. Prize breakdowns:
    1. 1st Place – $500 & a Chili Grand Champion trophy
    2. 2nd Place – $325 & a Chili Champ Runner-Up trophy
    3. 3rd Place – $175 & a Chili Champ 3rd Place trophy
    4. People’s Choice Award – $50 & a Plaque
    5. Host Choice Award – $25 Gift Card & a Medal
    6. Best Booth – $25 Gift Card

Contestant REGISTRATION

SPONSORS

EVENT SPONSOR DETAILS

SPONSOR DEADLINE: MARCH 21ST

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

All sponsorships are offered the ability to provide a corporate banner that can be displayed at the event but the location within the event will determine where allowed depending on sponsorship level.

TITLE SPONSOR – $2500.00 (only 1)

  • Your Business Logo and/or name will be on all print material or announced verbally (of your support) on all of the following (provided these advertisements are secured) tv, radio web media, and tv media.
  • The Name of the Event will furthermore be advertised as the benefit name followed by “Sponsored by” your business.
  • Your Business Name, Logo, and Contact information will be at the top of the event website and on the main page of www.swfhr.org our website.

PLATINUM SPONSOR – $1000.00

  • Your ‘Business Name‘ will be ‘Announced during the ‘Awards Ceremony of Winners.
  • Business Logo and all provided forms of contact will be displayed on our Event Website with a link to your business.
  • Business Logo will be displayed in our platinum support section on our Website with a link to your business.
  • Business Logo will be printed on our Event Banners.
  • And all items from the “GOLD”, “SILVER”, & “BRONZE” Sponsors.

GOLD SPONSOR – $500.00

  • Your ‘Business Name‘ will be ‘Announced during the ‘Opening Ceremony and Colors
  • Business information (plus 1 additional form of contact information compared to Silver Sponsorship) will be ‘listed‘ in the “Event Rack Card“.
  • Business Logo displayed on the Main Event Sponsors board (mounted at the entrance of our facility on the event day and up to a week prior to the Chili Cook-Off).
  • And all items from the lesser sponsorships.

SILVER SPONSOR – $250.00

  • Your ‘Business Name‘ will be ‘Announced‘ periodically throughout the Chili Cook-Off by the DJ except for the ‘Awards ceremony of winners’.
  • Business information (LOGO, Business Name if not already on the logo, & (1) ‘Form of contact‘) will be ‘listed‘ in the “Event Rack Card“.
  • If you have a ‘Business Banner’ we will display it (at the Chili Arena) for the entire event.
  • And all items from the lesser sponsorship.

BRONZE SPONSOR – $100.00

  • Your ‘Business Name‘ will be ‘listedon the event “Event Sponsor Board” that will be at the Patron greeting / Welcome area at the Chili Cook-Off.
  • Your ‘Business Name‘ only, will be ‘listedon the event “Event Website”.
  • If you have a ‘Business Banner’ we will display it (on the property by vendors) for the entire event. (Only Bronze)

BRICK SPONSOR – Items or Services

  • Your ‘Business Name‘ only, will be ‘listedon the event “Event Website”.

* To guarantee a sponsor is listed in print media production, all logos need to be received by the Sponsorship Deadline. We will gladly accept Sponsors after the deadline, but we will not be able to guarantee to have the printed material mentioning you. You will, however, be mentioned verbally during the event.

EVENT SPONSOR FORM

VENDORS

From food to merchandise to entertainment we would love to have you as a vendor at this event.  As a vendor, you are considered as a support piece for the success of this event.  Read the vendor details below then complete the vendor form.  You will receive a confirmation and you’re in.  It’s that simple. 

To avoid duplication take a look at who is already is registered as a support Vendor for the benefit before you apply.

EVENT VENDOR DETAILS

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23rd, 2022, AT 8 PM EST
EVENT DATE: SATURDAY MARCH 26TH, 2022 FROM 10 AM – 2 PM | SET UP FINISHED BY 9:30 AM


VENDOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS (Revised 2022-01-20)

  1. Vendor variety is expected but there will be no lude or openly offensive items displayed for sale.
  2. Space allowed is 12’ x 12’ per vendor.  Larger space may be available but must be approved.
  3. Each vendor must supply their own tables & chairs.
  4. Acceptance of this agreement, the Vendor expressly releases SOUTH WEST FLORIDA HORSE RESCUE, INC. and its agents from all liability for damage, injury, or loss to any person or goods which may arise from the use of vendor space. Signature electronically or written acknowledges acceptance of terms.
  5. All vendors will share in the marketing of the event. We will provide a flyer you can email, as well please invite your local friends and customers list to attend the event. Please also see our event on Facebook and “invite” people to attend.
  6. Set up times may vary but the vendor must be fully set up 30 minutes before the event starts.
  7. Gates will open at 7 AM the day of the event.  Prior arrangement can be made for earlier set up
  8. Breakdown times should be after the event officially ends.  Emergency or preplanned early departures should be directed to the event manager Matt @ 239.822.5366
  9. No sublet or split booth space shall be permitted without prior written agreement with SWFHR. Only one table per company name. No space is held without payment & completed form.
  10. All vendors and assistants of vendors will adhere to the General Facility Rules of South West Florida Horse Rescue, Inc. that are posted at the main entrance of the facility as well as will be handed to each vendor upon arrival.
  11. Pathways and Exits shall be kept clean, clear, and free of obstacles. Vendor space shall be fixed in position for the duration of the event.
  12. The distribution of samples and literature is strictly limited to the confines of the Vendor’s booth.
  13. Voice and/or music amplification must be kept to a sufficiently low volume so as not to disturb other vendors or attendees.
  14. No “Glitter” is permitted. Do not nail, screw, staple, pin, tack, tape, etc., any materials directly to the host location. Leave area clean upon move-out.
  15. No smoking is permitted at vendor booths. Vendors & assistants must smoke in the designated smoking areas.
  16. No animals or pets are permitted, unless service animals or otherwise expressed.
  17. SWFHR is not responsible for the replacement of lost or stolen goods. Vendors are responsible for obtaining their own coverage of their belongings.
  18. In the event, any outside cause, such as war, fire, weather, any Act of God, etc. prevents the Event, SWFHR reserves the right to retain Vendor donations for expense compensation, and will advise on rescheduling if possible.

VENDOR REGISTRATION FEE: 

  1. The fee is $25 / day (except for verified charities the fee is $0)
  2. The fee can be waived if a raffle basket of equal or greater value is donated for the “Monster Raffle”.
  3. The vendor rate may increase should your booth space exceed the normal allotted space size.
  4. Payments Accepted via SWFHR’s Online Event Vendor Form at www.swfhr.org | PayPal direct to info@swfhr.org MEMO: Event Name | Cash/Check payable to SWFHR and can be mailed to 14811 State Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33982 | By phone with card – a fee of 4% will be added to process… Call 239.567.4111

EVENT VENDOR FORM

EVENT VOLUNTEER DETAILS

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!

This event is our largest event of the year.  Our volunteer needs are large to ensure a successful event.  Roughly 50 volunteers are what we will need to do this.

In order to sign up fill out the sign-up form below.  We have multiple positions needed.  You will be able to request certain areas.  Depending on the need we will try to honor requests but can not guarantee things.  

Non-committed volunteers (those not already a volunteer) are allowed to help with this event.

AREAS OF  NEED:

  • Ticket Tents
  • Welcome Tent
  • Garage Sale help
  • Tack Sale help
  • 50/50 rovers
  • Raffle Row Tent
  • Field Protection Monitors
  • Chili Cook-Off assistants
  • Transporters
  • Parking Attendants
  • Bake Sale assistants
  • Event Set up
  • Event Teardown

EVENT VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP

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Event Raffle Basket sign-up

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Name*
give your basket a name
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i.e. if your basket is a payment for being a vendor.
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