Chowder Chef Contest Application

Welcome to Musselfest March 7-8, 2026! This is the application to have a tent and serve your Mussel Chowder as part of the Chowder Tasting Contest. This is an electronic agreement and by selecting to apply as a chef for the chowder tasting, you are validating and approving this agreement electronically.

Mussel Chowder Contest Terms and Conditions

The following Terms and Conditions apply to all entities (“Participants”) entering the Mussel Chowder Contest, organized by the Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association (“CHWA”), to be held on Saturday, March 7, 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM and Sunday, March 8, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM in Coupeville, WA.

1. Eligibility and Application

• Participation is limited to a maximum of 12 contestants.
• Applications are subject to approval by CHWA.
• Approved Participants will be assigned a location for their tent setup upon confirmation.

2. Mussels and Supplies

• Mussels will be supplied by Penn Cove Shellfish and delivered to Participants 5–7 days prior to the event.
• Participants are required to retain the mussel identifying tags for one year after the event.
• CHWA will provide utensils, napkins, and serving containers for up to 1,100 tasting portions.
• Participants are responsible for proper storage, handling, and preparation of the mussels.
• Participants are responsible for providing tent, weights, tables, water and electricity.

3. Chowder Tasting Rules

• The provided mussels and containers must be used only for the official chowder tasting.
• Chowder servings for tasting must be available for the entire duration of the event.
• Additional chowder prepared for individual sales must purchase additional mussels and containers, this is not included in what is provided (see below).

4. Individual Sales (Optional)

• Participants may sell individual servings of chowder outside of the tasting supply.
• A second tent/location is required for individual sales, with an additional location fee of $100.
• Participants must supply their own tents, tables, water, electricity, mussels, chowder, and serving containers for any individual sales.

5. Setup and Equipment

• This is an outdoor event, and Participants should prepare for varying weather conditions.
• Participants must provide their own:
  • Tent(s) (securely weighted down for safety)
  • Tables, heating elements, water, and all other service equipment
• The primary tent is for chowder tasting service.
• If selling individual servings, a second tent/location must be used.

6. Permits and Compliance

• Each Participant is required to obtain a food vendor permit from the Town of Coupeville.
• Participants are responsible for complying with all local health and safety regulations.
• CHWA is not responsible for any damage, theft, injury, or improper food handling by Participants.

7. Judging and Prizes

• Chowder entries will be judged, and prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
• Winners will receive a cash prize and trophy.

8. Liability

• Participation is at the Participant’s own risk.
• CHWA is not liable for any loss, injury, damage, or claims arising from participation in the event.

9. Agreement

By applying and participating in the Mussel Chowder Contest, Participants agree to abide by all rules and conditions stated above.