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)
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
The “Spring T&G Sale (flea market) will be open for shopping until 2 pm.
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.
Providing dancing entertainment to initiate the Chili Cook-Off start.
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.
Last Hayride & Tour for the day.
End of the event. Winner ceremonies to follow.
The winner of Raffle Row, Chili Cook-Off, and all other prize-oriented competitions to be announced.
As more join this event we will continue to update the lists
DJ Colton Lee of
Rustic Recordings
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)
Guided Tour – Sample
by volunteers
Adults – $5
Kids under 13 – FREE
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)
Equidae Equine Insurance
(Business Promotion)
Equine Hemp Solutions
(Product & Business Promotion)
Humana Insurance
(Business Promotion)
“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
As more join this event we will continue to update the lists
Dixie GMC
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’)
As more join this event we will continue to update the lists
The best of the best in the Judges Panel.
The NEXT of the best in the Judges Panel.
The third best in the Judges Panel.
Best of the best in the People’s tasting phase.
The best chili chosen by the hosts.
Best decorated booth overall.
CONTESTANT RULES & CONDITIONS:
REGISTRATION FEES:
PRIZES:
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.
* 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.
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.
VENDOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS (Revised 2022-01-20)
VENDOR REGISTRATION FEE:
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:
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