Harvest Market - Chili Cook-off

4th Annual Harvest Market - Chili Cook-off

September 26, 2026.
10:30am-1:00pm
17 W. State Street. Port Austin, MI 48467

Register here for the Harvest Market Chili Cook-off. Please information and guidelines below. For questions, email farmersmarket@portaustinarea.com , or call (989) 738-7600.

COMPETITOR INFORMATION

• $30 entry fee for the public

• FREE for Greater Port Austin Area Chamber of Commerce members (Chamber members, please email farmersmarket@portaustinarea.com to register).

• $100 CASH PRIZE for the first-place Chili Champ!

• Space is limited and advance registration is required.

• Registration deadline: 5:00 PM Friday, September 18, 2026

• Visitors must purchase a $5 tasting wristband to sample, rate, and cast their vote

• Proceeds from the Chili Cook-Off will help support community events and activities at the
  Port Austin Christmas Market on October 24, 2026.

RULES & GUIDELINES
All Chili Cook-Off participants are guests of the Port Austin Farmers Market and must comply with applicable Port Austin Farmers Market Rules & Guidelines, including safety, vehicle, parking, setup, tent-weight, and conduct requirements.

Chili Preparation & Serving

• Competitors are responsible for preparing and providing their own chili.

• Please aim prepare enough chili to provide samples throughout the event

• Chili must be maintained at a safe serving temperature

• Competitors should be prepared to provide basic ingredient/allergen information if requested by a visitor

• Garnishes & Accompaniments: Competitors may offer optional garnishes and accompaniments such as shredded cheese, onions, sour cream, crackers, chips, or cornbread. However, the chili must be served and available for tasting on its own, and voters should be encouraged to cast their vote based primarily on the chili itself.

What Competitors Must Bring

• Competitors are responsible for any equipment needed to safely heat, hold, and serve chili. and all materials needed for their setup (tables, chairs, warmers, extension cords, serving equipment, signage, and other necessary supplies).

• Tents are recommended but not required. Any tent/canopy used must comply with Farmers Market safety requirements, including 30-40lb of weight on all tent legs.

What the Market Will Provide

The Port Austin Farmers Market will provide tasting cups, tasting spoons, paper towels/napkins, voting or score cards, and other general materials needed for public tasting and voting.

Arrival & Setup

• Each competitor will be assigned a designated space and arrival time prior to the event.

• All competitors must be completely set up and ready to begin serving by 10:30 AM.

• Please follow all arrival, unloading, traffic-flow, parking and setup instructions provided by Market staff.

• After unloading, all competitor vehicles must be moved to designated parking areas.

During the Cook-Off

• Public tasting and voting will take place from 10:30 AM–1:00 PM.

• Visitors pay $5 and receive a hand stamp to taste, rate, and vote.

• Competitors must remain set up and in their assigned space until the Farmers Market closes at 1:00 PM.

• Please be courteous and mindful of neighboring Farmers Market vendors who will be conducting normal business throughout the event.

Departure

• At the conclusion of the event, competitors must follow Market instructions regarding breakdown and vehicle access.

• All vendors and competitors are to breakdown their set up before bringing vehicles back in for loading.

• Please be especially mindful of other vendors and customers during departure.

Judging & Winner

• The public will sample the competing chilis and cast votes for their favorite.

• The chili receiving the most votes will be crowned the Harvest Market Chili Champ and receive the $100 first-place cash prize.

• Market officials will oversee voting and determine the final results.