Shippensburg Community Harvest Party

Join Grand Point Church, Shippensburg First Church of God, Shippensburg Presbyterian, First Assembly of God (and more) for a Community Harvest Party at the Shippensburg Fairgrounds on October 25, 2025!

The event will run from 4-8PM at the Shippensburg Fairgrounds (10131 Possum Hollow Rd, Shippensburg) and you are welcome to come & go as you please

What to Expect

  • Chili Cook-Off ($10 to enter; click here to sign up)
  • Chili Tasting & Voting ($10/person age 13 & over; $5/person age 5-12, free for ages 4 & under – cash or check collected at the event) – voting ends at 7PM
  • Free games, bounce houses, hotdogs & drinks (while supplies last), a bonfire, and lots of family-friendly fun

All proceeds from the chili cook-off will be donated directly to a locall non-profit, Wheels for Women.

Chili Cook-Off Details

  • $10/entry – click here to sign up
  • Amount to bring – Full crock pot (6 to 8 quarts) at the minimum
  • Chili is to be cooked before the event
  • Items needed – extension cord & a serving spoon (not a ladle) to distribute samples.
  • Provided – Sample cups & spoons for admissions.
  • Display Area – 48 inches x 30 inches (1/2 of an 8 ft rectangle table)

Categories:

  • Best Spicy Chili
  • Best Sweet Chili
  • Best Overall Presentation – Chili Nickname, Chili Display & Taste
  • People’s Choice – Popular vote from the people attending the cook-off.

Official Judging

  • There will be several judges assigned to each category.
  • Judges will arrive at 3:30 for instructions and to get a head start to taste before the public.
  • Judges will sample all the chili. They can feel free to ask the contestant if theirs is sweet or spicy, in order to not fill up on chili they will not be judging.
  • They each will make their top two or three picks.
  • The judges will discuss their top picks. If the first place is the same, we have a winner! If there is a difference of opinion, those judges will retaste the top picks to select a winner.

FAQs

Who is this event for?

  • The Community Harvest Party is a free event for anyone who wants to attend.

How do I sign up for the Chili Cook-Off?

  • Click here to sign up (spaces are limited). Payment can be made by cash or check the day of the event.

Do I have to pay for anything?

  • Only the chili cook-off and the chili cook-off tasting/voting require payment to participate, and all proceeds will be donated to a local Shippensburg ministry partner. All other events, food, drinks, and activities are free.

Do I have to RSVP for this event?

  • Nope! The only part of the event that requires registration is the chili cook-off so we know how many to expect.

Will I have to pay for parking? 

  • Parking is free – please enter at the main fairground entrance and volunteers will be available to assist you. Handicap accessible parking will be available – please let a volunteer know if this is something you need.

Can my child come in costume?

  • Absolutely – family-friendly costumes are fine (please nothing scary, violent, or costumes that would make it difficult for your kiddo or others to enjoy the activities).

Is this event pet friendly?

  • In order to follow the Shippensburg Fairground rules, no pets, except service animals and properly identified service animals-in-training will be allowed anywhere on the fairgrounds.

I have other questions – who can I contact?

  • You can email receptionist@grandpoint.church with any other questions.