Home Cook Application

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THE ANCIENT CITY CHILI CLASSIC

Home Cook Division Competition Application

Sunday, January 31st, 2027 | 12 PM–5 PM

The Carriage House at House of Assembly Events | St. Augustine, Florida

Thank you for your interest in competing in the Home Cook Division of The Ancient City Chili Classic!

We’re bringing together home cooks from across Northeast Florida for an afternoon celebrating great chili, cold drinks, bluegrass, artisan makers, and a little friendly culinary competition.

Home cooks will compete for the title of:

🏆 BEST HOME-COOKED CHILI IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA

Competitors will also have the opportunity to earn

2nd Place
3rd Place
People’s Choice Award (attendee-voted)
Best Decorated Booth

Please complete the application below.

Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance. Gather & Glow Events will review applications and select a limited number of home cooks to participate.

YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION

First name

Last name

Address

City, State & Zip

Cell Phone

TEAM INFORMATION

Are you entering as a team?

No — I am entering as an individual (continue to next section)

Yes — I am entering as a team (fill out this section)

Team Name

What would you like your team to be called?

Team Member(s)

Please list the full name(s) of everyone competing with you. Teams can have a MAXIMUM of 4 Team Members (including yourself). No one on the team can be a professional chef/cook.

TELL US ABOUT YOU

Tell Us a Little About Yourself (Your Team)

We'd love to get to know the people behind the chili! Tell us a little about yourself, your cooking, or your connection to chili.

Has You Ever Participated in a Chili Competition Before?

Yes

If Yes, Tell Us About It

Tell us about any previous chili competitions, cooking contests, awards, bragging rights, or other culinary accomplishments.

TELL US THE WHY

In a few sentences tell us why do you want to compete in The Ancient City Chili Classic?

CHILI SERVICE & EQUIPMENT

IMPORTANT FOOD PREPARATION INFORMATION

All chili and garnishes must be completely prepared off-site and arrive at the event ready to serve.

On-site cooking or food preparation will not be permitted.

Water access at the venue is extremely limited and cannot be relied upon for competition operations. A small venue kitchen may be available for limited use before or after the event, but it will not be available for ongoing food preparation or service during the event.

Additional food service and setup requirements will be provided to accepted competitors.

How Will You Keep Your Chili Warm During the Event? Please select the method you anticipate using.

Sterno / Chafing Dishes

Electric Food Warmer

Other Method

Will Your Booth Be Requesting Access to Electricity ?

Yes

Selecting YES does not guarantee access to electricity.

If Yes, Please Describe Your Electrical Needs.

Please tell us what equipment you plan to use and, if known, the approximate wattage.

Example: “One electric chafing dish — approximately 500 watts.” or "String lights, two sets, and 1 heating lamp"

MARKETING & PROMOTION

Photo of You, Your Team or Your Chili

Upload up to 3 photos you'd like us to consider using when introducing and promoting our Home Cook competitors.

Instagram and/or Facebook pages

If you'd like us to tag you when promoting the Home Cook competitors, please provide Instagram and/or Facebook handles of all participants.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Is there anything else we should know? Tell us anything else that may be helpful as we plan for your participation.

APPLICATION FEE

Home Cook Division Competition Entry: $50

Your competition entry includes:

Official entry into the Home Cook Division
Dedicated competition space
Eligibility for Best Home-Cooked Chili in Northeast Florida
Eligibility for 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place
Eligibility for People's Choice Award & Best Decorated Booth
Professional judging
Recognition as an official 2026 Home Cook competitor
Recognition in event marketing and promotional materials, where applicable

Please note: Competition entry does not guarantee a specific booth location, electrical access, or other special accommodations unless specifically confirmed by Gather & Glow Event

EVENT & COMPETITOR AGREEMENT

By submitting this application, I acknowledge that:

I am submitting this application for myself (and my team) as a home cook competitor.
I understand that submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance into The Ancient City Chili Classic.
I understand that all chili and garnishes must be prepared off-site and arrive ready to serve.
I (and my team) understand that on-site cooking or food preparation will not be permitted.
I understand that I (and my team) am responsible for following all applicable food safety requirements.
I understand that I (and my team) must follow all health, safety, venue, and event requirements provided by Gather & Glow Events.
I (and my team) agree to follow the rules and guidelines provided by Gather & Glow Events and the event venue.
I agree, that upon acceptance in the competition, I will pay the entrance fee of $50 within 3 days or forfeit my spot.

I agree to the above terms.

Signature

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WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU APPLY?

Once applications have been reviewed, selected home cooks will receive a Competitor Acceptance email with a payment link, no later than December 1st and then a Confirmation Form with additional information and requirements.

That form will collect details such as:

Competition chili name
Chili description
Ingredients and allergen information
Garnishes
Serving details
Exact equipment needs
Sterno/chafing dish requirements
Electrical requirements
Final team information
Additional photos and marketing information
Competition-day logistics

Now it's time to find out if your chili really is as damn good as everyone says it is. 🌶️

We can't wait to see what you bring to the table!

Gather & Glow Events

Where Good Vibes Gather.

hello@gatherandglowevents.fun