Chili Town 2026

The annual chili cook-off will take place on Friday, December 11, 2026 at Chili Town, 5:30pm (located at the corner parking lot of Oak and East Main Street directly across from City Hall). Participants must bring and set up their own tables, tents (optional but encouraged), and decorations.  Participants are encouraged to bring 5 to 6 gallons of chili. 

SET-UP BEGINS AT 3:00 PM  ENDS AT 4:30 PM. 

JUDGES SAMPLES OF YOUR CHILI WILL BE COLLECTED AT 5:00 P.M. 

CHILI TOWN WILL OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AT 5:30 P.M.

Participants are expected to bring their own condiments such as sour cream or cheese. 

Participants must also have a visible SIGN with the team name and bring their own extension cords to power all electrical units. Teams can bring their own gas/sterno if preferred. 

PLEASE NOTE:

Each participating table must provide team members to serve chili during the Chili Town hours. We do not have additional volunteers to man any booths or tents for this event.

PROVIDED BY THE DSDA:

Registration Number: Judges Sample Cups – Your Registration number will go on judging cups.

Sample cups and spoons will be provided for all samplers to be made available at tables. 

There are SOME electrical outlets for power that will be assigned on a first come first serve basis.

Please complete and submit your registration for the CHILI COOKOFF BY noon on Friday, December 4, 2026.

REGISTRATION/JUDGING INFO:

Cook-off Categories:

Overall Best Chili  
Best Decorated Booth

People’s Choice  
Best Restaurant Chili  

Festival Vendor Code of Conduct

Terms & Conditions:

1. Professionalism and Courtesy
   - Vendors must treat all festival attendees, staff, and fellow vendors with respect and courtesy.
   - Maintain a professional demeanor at all times, including attire, behavior, and communication.

2. Compliance with Regulations
   - Adhere to all local, state, and federal regulations, including health and safety codes.
   - Obtain and display all necessary permits and licenses required for operation.

3. Quality of Products and Services
   - Ensure that all products and services offered are of high quality and safe for consumption or use.
   - Clearly label all food items, including allergens and ingredients.

4. Setup and Cleanup
   - Arrive at the festival site on time for setup and adhere to designated setup and breakdown times.
   - Keep the vendor area clean and organized throughout the event and ensure all waste is disposed of properly.

5. Space and Equipment Use
   - Respect the space allocated to your booth and refrain from encroaching on neighboring vendors; areas.
   - Use only the equipment and materials that have been approved and provided by festival organizers.

6. Customer Interaction

   - Engage with customers in a friendly and welcoming manner.
   - Handle complaints or issues professionally and promptly, escalating to festival staff if necessary.

7. Alcohol and Substance Use
   - Vendors are prohibited from consuming alcohol or using illegal substances during festival hours.
   - If serving alcohol, comply with all licensing and serving regulations.

8. Promotion and Marketing
   - All promotional materials must be approved by festival organizers prior to distribution.
   - Vendors are encouraged to promote their products responsibly and ethically.

9. Non-Discrimination
   - Vendors must create an inclusive environment and not discriminate against any individuals based on race, gender, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.

10. Conflict Resolution
   - In the event of a dispute or conflict, vendors should first attempt to resolve the issue amicably.
   - If unable to resolve, escalate the matter to the festival organizers for mediation.

11. Accountability
   - Vendors are responsible for their actions and the actions of their staff.
   - Main Street Statesboro retains the right and final decision-making authority to ensure compliance with this Code of Conduct. Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in removal from the festival and/or future events.

Acknowledgment

By participating as a vendor at this festival, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to comply with this Code of Conduct. Thank you for being a valued part of our event!