General Day of Event Information:
 
1. What items are allowed to be brought in?  Low folding chairs, blankets, and still cameras without professional lenses may be brought in.
 
2. What items are not allowed to be brought in?  Professional cameras, video taping equipment of any kind, tents, umbrellas, flags, pets and weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited and will be confiscated. No food or drinks may be brought into the park. 

3. Will there be security checking through bags? Yes.

4. May I bring my own food and beverages?  No food or drink may be brought in and will be confiscated. Food, of all sorts not just chili and beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic will be available for sale.

5. Regarding beer sales, will you be checking identification?  Yes, photo identification will be required to purchase beer. Must Bring ID.
 
6.  What kinds of food can be purchased?  A wide variety of foods and beverages will be available for purchase featured from several greater-Sarasota restaurants.  List of restaurants to come.
 

 7. Will there be ATMs set up?  Yes.
 

 8. Where will bathrooms be located?  Bathrooms will be located throughout the fairgrounds and will be outlined on the map in the program distributed at entry.
 

 9. If I mistakenly bring something in that I am not supposed to have, will you hold it for me until after the show?  No, we are not equipped to hold items. Please leave them in your car.
 
10. What will be available for purchase in addition to food and beverages?  Official Chili Cookoff tee shirts will all be available for purchase. 
 
11. Where are the lost and found, lost children, and first aid areas located?  Please check the map in your souvenir program.
 
12. What happens if I purchase my tickets in advance on-line?  You will receive email confirmation that your ticket order has been processed and your name will be added to the pre-paid list and the day of the event you will be marked as Already Paid when you arrive at the entry.  If one of the first 250 tickets bought, you will also receive your free drink vouchers.
 
13. What is the official policy regarding behavior and any problems in the event?  The Sarasota Police Department has final authority over any problems arising at the event.

14. What happens if it rains?  The Chili Cookoff takes place rain or shine.

15. What is the refund policy?  There are no refunds for any reason.

16. Where can we park for the event?  There are several lots all around the park the Fairgrounds.

17. How much does parking cost?  All Sarasota County Fairground parking lots are FREE!  

18. Is there handicapped parking?  Yes, there is limited handicapped parking.  Make sure to have your official placard.

19. How do I find out more about having a team for the Chili Cooking part of the event?  Click here for a quick and easy on-line application to participate as a Chili Team and all the details of the competition.

20. How can my business or store get a vendor booth at the Chili Cookoff?  Booths are still available at the Chili Cookoff, but limited and only 5 are available for food vendors. Contact Tom Beatty, General Sales Manager, at 813-784-0720 for information and you can also visit our sponsorship and vendor page by clicking here.

21.  Is there overnight RV parking and how do we reserve a space? Yes, there is a secure, overnight lot for RV's and is $30.00 a night.  Call the Sarasota County Fairgrounds directly at (941) 365-0818 to reserve your space.

 

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