Vendors

Merchandise, Promotion & Food Vendor Information

DATES:  February 7-8, 2025

We look forward to seeing you and your products at this year’s World Championship Cook-off. So don’t delay and get your application to us as soon as possible to reserve your spot. Remember to fill out all the information requested using our online form, and don’t forget to let us know if you require any special needs. If you have any questions, you can call Sally Ross/Mark Limon at [email protected]. Vendor Application and payment is due by February 1st.

 

MERCHANDISE/PROMOTION SPACE

All booths will be in the “Exhibit Hall” which is an enclosed building (no A/C). Standard booth sizes are:

  • 10’x10’ ($150)
  • 10’x20” ($250)
  • 10'x40' ($350)
  • 10'x50' ($450)
  • 20’x25’ ($450)

The Exhibit Hall can/will be locked overnight to secure vendor booths. See attached layout.

 

FOOD SPACE

All booths will be in an open-air location near the Exhibit Hall. Each vendor space is approximately 10’ x 10’ but varied sizes may be negotiated. Fees are based on sales and can be discussed individually by calling us at the number above. There will be a minimum fee.

Vendor Information

Booth spaces will be issued by Vendor Coordinators. Check-in and setup will be open from 5-7 PM on Thursday and 12-4 PM on Friday. Electricity is available on a limited basis. Each vendor will be issued 3 gate passes (wristbands that must be worn and are not transferrable) that will provide free entry to the event on Friday and Saturday. If you need additional passes, you will be able to purchase a limited number in advance only for $10 each. Anyone entering the gate during admission hours without a gate pass will be required to pay admission to enter the event. Admission is $10 per day. Admission fees are charged on Friday (6-9pm) and Saturday (9am-8pm). You will not be able to move vehicles in/out of the vendor areas except as follows: Friday up to 5pm and Saturday 12am to 9am. There will be no vehicle traffic in or out of the event except as noted above/below.

Vehicle Gate Access:
* 1 vehicle per vendor only (must have hangtag)
* vendor trailer parking along west side of exhibit hall only
* Friday - Gate closed (in or out) at 6pm (sharp)
* NEW!  Gates will not open again for ANY in/out traffic for Vendors or Teams until Sunday @ 2am.
Vendors can load out of the Exhibit Hall starting at 8am on Sunday.  Exhibit Hall doors will be closed and locked from Saturday, 10pm to Sunday 8am. 

Contact Vendor Coordinator
Sally Ross or Mark Limon at [email protected]

Vendor Layout

Vendor map layout

Smokin' on the Rio

Smokin’ on the Rio World Championship BBQ Cook-Off was established in 2004 by a group of local businessmen with the goal of raising money in support of youth agricultural projects in the Rio Grande Valley.