2026 Chowderfest Participant Sign Up

**SIGN UP DEADLINE IS: END OF BUSINESS DAY ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2026.**

WHAT TO KNOW:

All Participants Should:

Participant Requirements:

Serve Chowder: Provide 4-ounce portions for $2. You cover the participation fee and keep all proceeds. Bring your own bowls, spoons, and napkins.
Membership: Be a Discover Saratoga member in good standing.
Forms: Complete all enclosed forms—required for the city-approved event permit.
Report Bowls Served: Call by 4:30PM Saturday to qualify for awards. Winners are determined by the percentage of #1 votes per bowl served.
Pick Up Supplies: Collect crackers, posters, permits, etc., at 60 Railroad Place on Thursday, 2/5, or Friday, 2/6 by 3pm.
Health Permit (if applicable): Obtain a one-day temporary Dept. of Health catering permit if serving at any location other than your restaurant.

What We Provide:

Event Promotion: 10,000 handouts, online voting, a dedicated webpage, and promotion across TV, radio, print, digital, and social media.
Awards & Voting: Online voting using the Discover Saratoga Mobile App. Winners will be contacted by 5:30PM Saturday, with awards at 6PM at the Visitor Center.
Event Support: Permits for street closures, police presence, EMTs, and public safety.
Merchandise Sales: Chowderfest beanies ($15), shirts ($20-$22) and spoons ($5) available for purchase prior to event in our online store and on event day!

PART 1: Membership / Contact Information (required section)

Are you an active member of Discover Saratoga with an up to date balance?*

YesNo (you will have to join/come current with your membership dues to participate in this event)

Name of Restaurant*

Contact Name*

First NameLast Name

Phone Number (will be used to call winners on event day)*

Please enter a valid phone number.

Email*

example@example.com

PART 2: Payment (required section)

Participation Fee

$250.00 Quantity

Total

$0.00

Credit Card

First Name

Last Name

Credit Card Number

Security Code

Expiration Month

Expiration Year

Billing Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

City

State / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Country

Signature*

PART 3: Chowder Details (some details can be submitted at a later point)

Will you be serving chowder from your restaurant?*

YesNo

If not serving chowder from your restaurant, where will you be serving chowder from?

Please note that insurance documents for both the serving participant and the venue will be required.

Is your restaurant located downtown Saratoga?*

YesNo

All City Restaurants: Must have a current City Eating & Drinking license; including being up to date on all inspections (sprinklers, hood suspension, fire alarms etc.) and any fees due to the City must be paid in full. To check on the status of your license- contact Accounts – (518) 587-3550 x2548. To schedule an inspection- contact Code Enforcement- (518) 587-3550 x2632

Yes, I'm current with the aboveNo, I have outstanding items and will resolve before 1/23/26.

Name of your chowder:

Event Enhancements:

If you are having any sort of entertainment (live music, etc.) on 2/8/25, please list below.

Setup Sketch

A simple sketch of your layout of chowder distribution is required by the City of Saratoga Springs. Please include where your serving tables will be setup and outline the flow of traffic (including in/out if serving inside).

PART 4: Insurance Requirements (can be submitted at a later point)

The below insurance documents are REQUIRED by the City of Saratoga Springs. They are used to create your official event permit that you will need to display at your setup during Chowderfest. This lets Public Safety, the Fire Department, etc. know that you have completed everything required.

To view a sample insurance document, click here.

General Liability Insurance Policy

General Liability Insurance Policy: Name City of Saratoga Springs and SCTB (dba Discover Saratoga) as an additional insured.

Certificate of Insurance

Name City of Saratoga Springs and SCTB (dba Discover Saratoga) as additional insureds and the City of Saratoga Springs as Certificate Holder.

Workers Compensation Policy

Provide Workers Compensation policy or a waiver from NYS if you are a sole proprietor.

DOH Temporary Catering Permit

*ONLY REQUIRED FOR VENDORS NOT SERVING FROM THEIR OWN LOCATION.

PART 5: Additional Participant Information

Participant Pick Up Information:

All participants will need to stop by the Discover Saratoga office to pick up their voting ballots, posters, permits, crackerss, etc.

PARTICIPANT PICK UP HOURS ARE: Thursday 2/5/26 or Friday 2/6/26 between 8:30am- 3:00pm at the Discover Saratoga Office.

Official Chowderfest Merchandise:

Shirts ($20 S-XL, $22 for XXL) and Beanies ($15) will be available on our online store and beginning Tuesday 2/3 at the Visitors Center (297 Broadway) from 10am- 4pm.

FOR ANY QUESTIONS/ CONCERNS OR SUPPLIMENTAL DOCUMENTS TO THIS SUBMISSION, PLEASE DIRECT THEM TO ALYSSA FOOTE, DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP & EVENTS AT ALYSSA@DISCOVERSARATOGA.ORG OR CALL (518) 584-1531 EXT 104.

PART 6: Optional Community Initiative

Charitable Partnership with Franklin Community Center- learn how to get involved by clicking here.