SWFHR Chili Fest 23

5th Annual SWFHR Chili Fest presented by M’Xuma

Presented by M'xuma

March 11th, 2023
(10 am to 2 pm)

It’s time again for our annual Chili Fest, a combination of Chili Cook-Off, Fun Family Benefit, Garage Sale, and Fair ‘like’ features to commemorate the founding anniversary of SWFHR.  This February marks the 13th year since the establishment of SWFHR, and we’d like to invite you to celebrate with us on March 11, 2023.  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 with pony rides, hay rides, & other entertainment features.  Entry into the Event is FREE.  Additional fees will apply to many areas inside the event.

Over $1,000.00 in prize potentials for this Chili Cook-Off.

Public welcome at 10 am.

The chili tasting begins at 11 am.

The Chili Cook-Off contest is over at 1 pm.

Awards & Raffle drawings to follow.

The event ENDS at 2 pm.

CONTESTANT, EVENT VENDOR, GARAGE SALE VENDOR, & SPONSOR

See the options available! Click the menu button that meets your want.

Do You #hashtag?

You can search the latest through the Events’ hashtag at:

#swfhr23cf

(go ahead and click the hashtag)

covid

With COVID concerns still lingering, you are more than welcome to wear a mask, and with our large outdoor area, there is plenty of space to spread out. There will be extra wash stations located at the event. Plus, there will be lots of sanitizing wipes available.

Online raffle row

Activates on February 25th, 2022

We will offer you a chance to pre-purchase raffle tickets two weeks before the event.  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 are willing to help us make this event highly successful with a donation of raffle items, email us directly 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)

5th Annual SWFHR Chili Fest presented by M’Xuma Event Details

In Brief

The Benefit

We are 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, Rides, 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 everything 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.

Chili Cook-Off

The Chili Cook-off is a part of the whole benefit; our growing cook-off is 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.  Taste testing costs vary; $10 for up to 13 contestants or $15 if over 13 contestants.

The contest starts at 11 am.

Trophy & Cash prizes for the winners.

SPECIAL WINNINGS TBA

Timeline

4th Annual Chili Championship Rings

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

The Timeline and Ticket information are as follows:

10:00 am
Event Starts

Gates Open: 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 must process through the Welcome/Check-In Tent to complete waivers and receive the event wristbands.

10:00 am
Chili Trolley active

Free to Ride
Our Chili Trolley transport (holding approximately 18 people) will pick up and drop off patrons every 15min.  The Chili Trolley will transport from the Welcome Tent to the Event Ticket Tent and then back to the Welcome Tent.

10:00 am
Flea Market Starts

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

10:00 am
"Monster" Raffle Row Starts
(ORANGE TICKETS) variable costs The final phase of our popular "Monster" Raffle Row.  In conjunction with the online version (stay tuned for the ONLINE RAFFLE).  In-person ticket sales will be offered. - Raffle Row Tickets are located at the Event Ticket Tent.
10:00 am
Pony Rides Start

Pony Rides are provided by ENDLESS TRAILS.  Lark and her Horse & Pony will provide children & adults with a fond experience of safely being led around on horseback. - Pony Ride Tickets are located at the Event Ticket Tent.

10:15 am
Aftershock Drill Team - Opening Ceremonies

Fifteen minutes after the gates open, the official kick-off of the festivities commences with the National Anthem and our colors are brought to a presentation at the center of the demonstration field.

Aftershock will continue their drill routines periodically over the next 2 hours.

10:30 am
Hayrides Start

"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.

10:30 am
Guided Tours Start

(WHITE TICKETS) $5 Per Adult / Kids up to 13 FREE

30 Minute 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 typical tours.  Some tours will be walking; others will be via our touring car (it only holds six people).

– Tour Tickets are located at the Event Ticket Tent.

11:00 am
Chili Cook-Off Starts
(RED TICKETS) Variable Cost - $15 if over or $10 if under 13 Contestants This is your chance to vote for the winner of the best chili in the Arena. Purchase your tickets for $15 if over or $10 if under 13 Contestants, in person, at the “Chili Boss” Tent at the entrance to the Chili Arena, Patrons will receive a row of (RED) tickets equivalent to the number of contestants in the arena. Patrons will give one ticket to receive one 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. – Chili Tastings tickets are located at the “Chili Boss” Tent at the entrance to the Chili Arena.
12:00 pm
Calendar Girls Dance Demonstration

FREE to Watch

This 30 minute routine will showcase our favorite supporting song and dance team composed mature women known for their community spirit and recognizable by their sometimes elegant, but more often their wild and wacky costumes.

1:00 pm
Chili Cook-Off Ends

Taste testing ends, and the winners will be announced in about 15 minutes.

1:00 pm
"Monster" Raffle Row Ends

(ORANGE TICKETS) variable costs

Drawing to commence approximately 15mins after the end of the raffle. Public drawing for those who care to watch, but the event will still go on.

1:30 pm
Last Call for Hayrides & Guided Tours
2:00 pm
Event Ends
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.

layout

EVENT MAIN AREA

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

LAYOUT TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON

CHILI ARENA

SPONSOR REGISTRATION
Online
Print

VENDOR REGISTRATION
Online
Print

CONTESTANT REGISTRATION
Online

Print

VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION
Online

support

Here you’ll find what vendors and activities will be in this event. Each block displays general information about the subject.

No more space is available!

We are maxed out with vendors but still have room for Contestants.

We are maxed out with (main meal) Food Truck and Ice Cream/Shaved Ice Trucks.

MUSIC
FOOD
Main Meal Food Trucks. Limit 3
Tours
TREATS
Ice Cream Trucks
OTHER TREAT VENDORS
Entertainment
Demonstrations
Charity Vendors
Promotion Vendors
Craft Vendors
Total Craft Vendors: 14
Merchant Vendors
Total Merchant Vendors: 7

sponsors

Accepting Sponsors – Submit your Sponsor request now!

GOLD SPONSORS

Commercial Property Specialists
5th Annual SWFHR Chili Fest - Gold Sponsor - Centennial Bank
Centennial Bank
Babcock Ranch Logo
Babcock Ranch
Hooters of SWFL
Hooters of Southwest Florida

silver SPONSORS

chem-pros
The Chem Pros LLC
southern-style-graphics-tees
Southern Style Graphics & Tees

bronze SPONSORS

brick SPONSORS

Prize SPONSORS

swfhr2021-logo.c.blue_
Anonymous Friend of SWFHR ($500)

CONTESTANTS

Space Still Available – The contest is Limited to 15 contestants.

CONTEST PRIZES

Total contestants

We only have room for 15 contestants.
The cash prize listed on the website is the current cash possible winnings. Winnings will increase if more sponsors are obtained. Cash prize winnings are progressive depending on sponsors.

 

1st Place - Grand Champion

$750 (Cash) + Trophy + Super Bowl Ring

The best of the best in the Judges Panel.

2nd Place - Champ Runner Up

$500 (Cash) + Trophy + Super Bowl Ring

The NEXT of the best in the Judges Panel.

3rd Place - Champ Runner Up

$250 (Cash) + Trophy + Super Bowl Ring

The third best in the Judges Panel.

People's Choice Award

$100 (Cash) + Trophy

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

Host Choice Award

$50 (Cash) + Trophy

The best chili chosen by the hosts.

Best Booth Award

$50 (Cash) + Trophy

Best decorated booth overall.

Contestant RULES

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8th, 2023, AT 8 PM EST
EVENT DATE: SATURDAY, MARCH 11TH, 2023, FROM 10 AM – 2 PM
SET UP FINISHED BY 9:30 AM

JUDGING STARTS AT 11 AM

Not 12 Noon like in the past events

CONTESTANT RULES & CONDITIONS:

  1. Contestants must file either an electronic or paper Entry Form with a registration fee to officially reserve a spot.
  2. The event site will open for registration check and set up at 7 a.m., All contestants and team members will sign a release and waiver of liability.
  3. No parking will be allowed inside the cook-off area unless approved.
  4. Ingredients must be pre-cooked before the commencement of the official cook-off. Meat may be treated, pre-cut, or ground, but it must be cooked. Each contestant is solely responsible for ensuring no ingredient is undercooked and there is no risk of food born illness. You must be willing to eat your chili.
  5. The registrant must be 18 years or older
  6. The contest is limited to 15 contestants.
  7. No restrictions on 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 and to entice the patrons to try their chili in the hopes of gaining votes for your chili. Try sweetening the patrons’ experience with crackers, and cornbread, be creative and engaging. The more chili you have, the more potential votes you can serve.
  9. Contestants must set up their “stations” and provide their equipment, including but not limited to tables, chairs, tents, pots, aprons, propane tanks (if owned), extension cords (no less than 14 gauge and no more than 25 ft long), or other items you might need.
  10. Contestants are encouraged, urged, and otherwise motivated to decorate their area, tent, table, and even 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 recommended to cook at least 6 gallons (approximately six crockpots) of chili or have enough chili for a 2-hour taste testing time frame.
  13. All contestants must be ready to turn in ungarnished samples for judging, just chili, no toppings, 15 minutes (approx. 11:15 AM) after the tasting phase starts. Cook-Off organizers will settle ties or disputes.
  14. SWFHR will provide Tasting Cups, Spoons and Ticket Jars, and Access to Power while available (power is limited… we suggest you bring a source to keep 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 location. No items shall be allowed to remain after the close of the contest unless pre-approved.
  16. Winners are to be announced approximately 15 min after the end of the event.
  17. NO power strips are to be used unless approved.
  18. Contestants are NOT allowed to sell anything during the contest. However, at the end of the contest, you may sell your chili or other food products pre-packaged.

REGISTRATION FEES:

  1. The Registration Deadline is Wednesday, March 8th, 2023.
  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 $5 per recipe; if an additional tent is needed, $5 more.
  3. Entry Fee of $20 can be waived/free if you:
    1. donate a raffle basket valued at $20 or more to our “Monster” Raffle Row.
      1. Must be received before the day of the event to secure your position in the Cook-Off officially.
    2. represent a 1st Responder Unit as a team (e.g., Fire, EMS, Police/Sherriff).
      1. Be able to provide the unit designation, verification, and local area covered.
      2. Unit name must be somewhere in the Team Name.
    3. represent a Military Unit as a team (e.g., Reserve Units, local Recruiting Units, or other affiliates).
      1. Be able to provide the unit designation, verification, and local area covered.
      2. Unit name must be somewhere in the Team Name.
    4. are a Vendor at this event.
      1. Completed & Singed contestant form to secure a spot
    5. are a Sponsor of this event.
      1. Completed & Singed contestant form to secure a spot
  4. 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.”
  5. Fees paid before the registration deadline are eligible for return should a need for cancelation arise.
  6. Cancelation requests must be directed to the CONTESTANT MGR. Lauren @ (303) 525-8693, info@swfhr.org, or the EVENT MGR Matt @ (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 – $100 & a trophy
    5. Host Choice Award – $50 Gift Card & a trophy
    6. Best Booth – $50 Gift Card

Contestant REGISTRATION

SPONSORS

EVENT SPONSOR DETAILS

SPONSOR GRAPHICS DEADLINE IS MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH, 2023, AT 8 PM EST EVENT DATE: SATURDAY, MARCH 11TH, 2023, FROM 10 AM – 2 PM


Sponsorship levels:

Sponsor Levels

All sponsorships are offered the ability to:

  1. display at the event one (1) corporate banner.
    1. Your sponsorship level will determine the location of your business banner within the event.
    2. If your business doesn’t have a banner, we can produce one for a fee. Graphics must be received by February 27th, 2023.
      1. 2’x6’ Banner for $55 or,
      2. 3’X8’ Banner for $75 or,
      3. 4’x10′ Banner for $125.
  2. set up as a Vendor for free (standard space requirements apply)
  3. pre-purchase up to five (5) Event Shirts at 25% off the selling price.
    1. Selling Price is $25 (for T-shirts). Your cost is $18.75 per shirt.
    2. No discount sales on the day of the event. Order placements must be placed before the event.

* To guarantee a spot in print media production, submit all logos by the Graphics Deadline. We will gladly accept Sponsors after the deadline, but unfortunately, we cannot promise to have the printed material mentioning you. However, you will be announced verbally during the event.

Sponsor Levels

Sponsor Levels

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 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, look at who is already registered as a support Vendor for the benefit before applying.

We are maxed out with (main meal) Food Truck and Ice Cream/Shaved Ice Trucks.

EVENT VENDOR DETAILS

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8th, 2023, AT 8 PM EST
EVENT DATE: SATURDAY, MARCH 11TH, 2023, FROM 10 AM – 2 PM | SET UP FINISHED BY 9:30 AM


VENDOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS (Revised 2022-11-18)

  1. Vendor variety is expected, but no lude or openly offensive items will be 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 tables & chairs for themselves.
  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. A signature, electronically or written, acknowledges acceptance of the terms.
  5. All vendors will share in the marketing of the event. We’ll send you 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 arrangements can be made for earlier set up
  8. Breakdown times should be after the event officially ends.  Emergency or pre-planned 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. All space is held with payment & completed forms.
  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 or music amplification must be low to avoid disturbing 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 your area clean upon leaving.
  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 replacing lost or stolen goods. Vendors are responsible for obtaining coverage of their belongings.
  18. If any external cause, such as war, fire, weather, any Act of God, etc., prevent 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 apply)
  2. Alternatively, the vendor fee can be waived if the vendor:
    1. donates a raffle basket of equal or greater value for the “Monster Raffle.”
    2. is already a servicer of SWFHR
    3. is a bonafide charity
    4. is a 1st Responder or Military unit or organization
    5. Is a Sponsor of the Event
  3. The vendor rate may increase should your booth space exceed the standard allotted space, a size of 12’x12’ for standard practice merchants and promotions.

 

EVENT VENDOR FORM

EVENT VOLUNTEER DETAILS

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! Even if you are not a regular volunteer or even a current volunteer.

This event is our most significant 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.

We have multiple positions needed. If you’d like to sign up, please fill out the form below.  You will be able to request certain areas.  We will try to honor requests depending on the need but can not guarantee positions.  

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

.

All submitted raffle baskets are for our “Monster” Raffle Row. A dedicated location inside the event where the patrons walk through putting tickets in multiple baskets with the hope of winning any number of baskets.  Winners do not need to be present to win. The drawing will be held at 1:30 pm. Last year there were over 100 baskets on the day of the event.

So if you have a basket to contribute to the Monster Raffle Row, please submit the form below.

Event Raffle Basket sign-up

"*" indicates required fields

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