Chili Team 12’x12′ Space

CHILI COOK-OFF VENDOR GUIDELINES

Saturday, February 27th | Riverside Park
10450 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Vendor Setup & Cooking Begins at 8:00 AM

The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs is excited to welcome chili cook-off participants and vendors to our fundraising event. These guidelines are intended to help ensure a safe, organized, and enjoyable event for all vendors, volunteers, and attendees.

1. Event Date & Weather Policy

• This is a Rain or Shine event.
• Weather-related delays, changes, or cancellations will be handled on a case-by-case basis based on safety and event conditions.
• The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs will communicate any necessary changes to vendors as soon as possible.

2. Vendor Setup

• Vendor setup and chili cooking begins at 8:00 AM.
• Vendors are responsible for bringing everything necessary for their booth, including tables, tents, cooking equipment, serving supplies, signage, and cleanup materials.
• No electrical power will be available at the park. Vendors should plan accordingly.
• All vendors may park behind the park for loading, unloading, and event-related access.
• Vendors are responsible for keeping their assigned area clean and orderly throughout the event.

3. Booth & Signage Requirements

• Signage is extremely important. Clear signage helps patrons identify each chili entry and allows the event to run
smoothly.
• Individual booth signage may be no larger than a 2-foot x 10-foot banner.
• Banners should be displayed on the front of the vendor’s tent.
• Please make sure your signage is secure and easy for patrons to see.

4. Cooking & Food Safety

• Maintain clean and sanitary food preparation and serving areas.
• Use proper food-handling practices.
• Protect food from contamination and keep serving areas clean.
• Vendors should provide appropriate utensils and serving equipment.
• Vendors are responsible for the safety and quality of the food they serve.
• Please follow all applicable food-safety requirements.

5. Cooking Equipment & Fire Safety

• No power will be available.
• No kerosene, butane, candles, or other flammable products are permitted.
• No gasoline or gas cans are permitted in vendor areas.
• Vendors are responsible for ensuring that their cooking equipment is operated safely.
• Keep cooking areas and equipment away from areas where patrons could be injured.

6. Trash & Cleanup

• Vendors must bag and remove all of their trash.
• Do not leave garbage, food waste, boxes, containers, or other materials behind.
• Vendors should properly dispose of all biodegradable and other waste materials.
• Vendor areas must be completely cleaned before leaving the park.
• Please leave the area in the same condition in which you found it.

7. Vendor Dress & Conduct

• Appropriate clothing and footwear are required.
• Vendors should treat patrons, volunteers, Rotary members, and other vendors with courtesy and respect.
• The use of drugs or alcohol by vendors or their staff is strictly prohibited during the event.
• Disruptive, unsafe, or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.

8. Chili Judging & Voting

• This is a People’s Choice Chili Cook-Off.
• Event patrons will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite chili.
• Votes will be collected using tickets.
• The chili receiving the most tickets will be awarded 1st Place.
• Awards: 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place

9. Fundraiser

• The Chili Cook-Off is a fundraising event hosted by the Rotary Club of Bonita Springs. Proceeds from the event support the Rotary Club’s community service efforts and charitable activities.
• We appreciate every vendor who participates and helps make this fundraiser successful.

10. Questions & Event Contacts

Kelli Groom – Club President
414-712-4333 | kkgroom@yahoo.com

Wendy Arsenault
239-287-4545 | swfvetcardio@yahoo.com

Thank you for participating and helping the Rotary Club of Bonita Springs make this a fun, safe, and successful community fundraiser!