Vendors, volunteers, and home cooks needed for the Redcliff Fall Festival

Courier/Commentator Photo Submitted by FCSS and the Town of Redcliff. FESTIVITIES: Photo from last year’s event.

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Do you have your own special chili recipe that is always a hit at potlucks? Are you a vendor looking to join the annual Redcliff Fall Festival? If you are either – or both – the time is now! The call is open for the chili cook-off and the festival. Sign up today to be a part of the action.

It all takes place on Saturday, September 26, from 12 – 4 p.m., but to take part as a cook, vendor, or volunteer, here is what you need to know now.

A Growing Community
Tradition 

“In Redcliff, we host a Fall Festival every year, but last year was our first time doing a chili cook-off,” says Melody Astika, FCSS/Special Events Coordinator. “We had seven teams enter, and just over 500 people tasting chili. Attendance was closer to 1,500 people in the park enjoying all of the activities throughout the course of the afternoon.”

The event is more than just a good (and very tasty) time. Proceeds from the cook-off raised $2,500 for programming at the Redcliff Youth Centre—an amount the local Lions Club generously matched.

“The event was a huge success,” Astika says. “The feedback from the community was extremely positive, and we are very excited to be able to do the event again this year.”

Calling All Cooks! 

Home cooks and chili enthusiasts still have time to sign up. Entries for the cook-off are being accepted until August 26, and proceeds again support the Redcliff Youth Centre and its programming.

Astika encourages participants not to overthink their approach.

“The best advice we can give to cooks is to do what you do best,” she says. “Sometimes the family recipe you’ve been cooking for years is exactly what people are looking for, and garnishes for your chili are always a welcome added bonus.”

Registration is free, and meat and vegetables are provided. Chili cooks are required to register in advance and cook 15 gallons of chili in an approved AHS kitchen. Cooks will bring their setup to, and serve guests at, the festival.

The winning team takes home more than pride. Along with bragging rights, they will receive a prize package and a trophy.

To register or get more information, email cps@redcliff.ca.

What to Expect at the
Festival This Year 

The festival brings a lively afternoon of food and free activities to Lions Park. Familiar favourites return, including carnival-style games and the turkey shoot, with a few cornhole courts added to the mix. Free pumpkin carving will be available while quantities last, and a petting zoo joins the lineup for the first time.

Live music will be performed by the talented Rob Hudec, while a market, organized by the Something For Everyone Market, offers a spot to shop and sip free hot apple cider. Several local food trucks will also be on hand, serving up crowd favourites such as dirty sodas, shaved ice, mini donuts, ice cream, and specialty coffees.

How Vendors and Volunteers Can Join In 

Vendors interested in taking part in the Fall Festival can register through the website: http://www.somethingforeveryonemarket.com.

Organizers are also on the lookout for helping hands.

“We are always seeking volunteers for our community events,” Astika says. “For the Fall Festival, help with set up and clean up is needed.”

Residents who would like to lend a hand can find out more by emailing cps@redcliff.ca.

Mark Your Calendar 

With free activities, live entertainment, and a chili cook-off supporting local youth, this year’s Fall Festival offers something for everyone in Redcliff. Mark your calendars, gather your best recipe, and get ready to enjoy an afternoon in Lions Park.

Astika concludes, “This is a great way to support and engage with the community while enjoying that warm close-knit feeling that a small town, grass roots event brings.”