Volunteer Opportunities - Great Bowls of Fire Chili Cook-off
The Carmel Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to bring back one of Carmel Valley’s most beloved culinary traditions—the Great Bowls of Fire Chili Cook-Off! We’re serving up a fiery, flavorful afternoon featuring local chefs, bold chili creations, refreshing margaritas, live music, and a dash of friendly competition.
When & Where: Sunday, Nov. 9 at Folktale Winery (8940 Carmel Valley Road)
To make the magic happen, we need awesome volunteers like you. From greeting guests and helping with check-in to supporting chili stations, collecting ballots, and keeping the vibes high around the music and margarita areas—there’s a role for every skill and smile.
Why volunteer?
Be part of a signature community event
Meet great people and support local businesses
Flexible roles with clear, on-site guidance
Ready to jump in?
Sign up below. Thanks for lending a hand—and bringing the heat! 
Chili Cook-off Setup
Help bring the Chili Cook-Off to life by preparing the event space before guests arrive. Volunteers will assist with setting up tables and chairs, placing linens, arranging tasting bowls, cups, and utensils, and helping vendors get their spaces ready. You may also help with décor placement, signage, and other event-day details to ensure everything looks welcoming and runs smoothly. This role is great for people who enjoy working as a team, can lift and move light to moderately heavy items, and like seeing an event come together from the ground up.
Chili Contestant Check-In
Welcome chili contestants as they arrive and ensure they are ready to compete. Volunteers will greet participants, confirm their registration, provide booth or table assignments, distribute any necessary materials (such as wristbands or signage), and answer basic setup questions. You may also help direct contestants to unloading areas and communicate with the event team if issues arise. This role is ideal for organized, friendly individuals who enjoy helping participants feel prepared and supported from the moment they arrive.
Chili Guest Check-In
Welcome attendees to the Chili Cook-Off by helping with guest check-in at the entrance. Volunteers will greet guests, verify tickets or names on the guest list, provide wristbands and share basic event information such as parking, restrooms, and event layout. This role is perfect for friendly, organized individuals who enjoy creating a warm first impression for event guests.
Chili Cook-off Event Parking
Support the Folktale Winery team by helping direct traffic and guide guests and vendors as they arrive for the Chili Cook-Off. Volunteers will help manage the flow of cars, direct vendors to their designated unloading or parking areas, and guide attendees to appropriate parking spaces. This role helps ensure a smooth and safe arrival experience for everyone. It’s ideal for friendly, proactive individuals who enjoy being outdoors, giving clear directions, and helping guests feel welcomed and informed as they arrive.
Chili Cook-off Judge's Laison
Serve as the main point of contact for the Chili Cook-Off judging panel and help ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience for our judges. Volunteers will welcome judges upon arrival, provide them with tasting kits, scorecards, and any event materials, and guide them through the judging process. You’ll assist with timing, collect completed scorecards, and communicate with the event team if any needs or questions arise. This role is perfect for organized, attentive individuals who enjoy working closely with a small group and helping keep an important part of the event running seamlessly.
Chili Cook-off Voting Team
Help guests cast their votes and assist with determining the Chili Cook-Off winners! Volunteers will monitor the voting stations, answer questions about how to vote, and collect wooden tokens dropped into each contestant’s voting container. Once voting ends, you’ll help count tokens to tally the results and ensure an accurate, fair outcome. This role is great for friendly, detail-oriented individuals who enjoy interacting with guests and being part of the exciting moment when winners are announced.
Chili Cook-off Cleanup Crew
Help wrap up the Chili Cook-Off by assisting with event teardown once the festivities end. Volunteers will break down tables and chairs, remove linens, gather and dispose of trash, pack up supplies, and help vendors with load-out as needed. This role is essential to restoring the venue quickly and efficiently after a fun day. It’s a great fit for those who don’t mind some physical activity and enjoy working as part of a team to finish strong and leave the space clean and organized.