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.
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.
See the options available! Click the menu button that meets your want.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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
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:
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.
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.
The "Spring T&G Sale (flea market) will be open for shopping until 2 pm.
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.
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.
"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.
(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.
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.
Taste testing ends, and the winners will be announced in about 15 minutes.
(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.
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.
Download Event Main Area Image (last update 3/25/22)
LAYOUT TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON
We are maxed out with vendors but still have room for Contestants.
(WHITE) tickets only
Adults – $5
Kids under 13 – FREE
Deep Fried Oreo & Funnel Cake
Huge fritters, cinna buns, hot pretzels, muffins, turnovers, danishes, hot peanuts, corn dogs, ice tea, drinks, coffee hot and cold.
Local Farm Fresh Produce
FREE – tips appreciated
(GREEN) tickets only
Price: $1 for All
(BLUE) tickets only
Price: $5 for All
FREE to interact with
FREE to watch
Periodic Shows from 10-2
FREE to watch
One show at 12 noon
Charlotte County Sheriff’s Department Special Operations Section K-9 Unit
FREE to watch
One show at 1 PM
FREE to watch – tips appreciated
Periodic Shows from 10 am – 2 pm
Tractor Displays
Truck Displays
Truck Displays
Supplements and Tack
Air Conditioning Services
Handmade home décor
Custom sublimation stainless steel and glass tumblers in various sizes. Taking orders for personalized items.
Reclaimed wood crafts
Handmade candles and soaps
Small plants and succulents in traditional, vintage, and unique vessels. Kitchen towels that hang off your oven door.
Home Made Reclaimed Wood Signs and Shelf Sitters
Handmade bags and accessories
Resin Art crafts… ex. Tumbler cups, tier trays, dominos, cutting boards, etc.
bleached and non-bleached custom T-shirts using sublimation
Custom horse halters, dog collars, and other things from muletape.
Bert’s bar t-shirts and hats, as well as other t-shirts. Home decor, wall art, and items from local Pine Island/Matlacha artists.
Personal non-lethal safety devices. Stun guns, pepper spray, alarms, etc.
Color Street Nail Polish and Lip Care
Organic handcrafted bath and beauty products
Totes and bags for all
Accepting Sponsors – Submit your Sponsor request now!
Space Still Available – The contest is Limited to 15 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.
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:
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.
VENDOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS (Revised 2022-11-18)
VENDOR REGISTRATION FEE:
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:
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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.
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