Official Open Fields 2011 Details
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Yup...Open Fields, the chilehead gathering and camping outing, is back! It will officially be held this October 7th - 10th. Below are the details, with both Jim's words and my words mixed.
First off, if you've never attended and wish to, then send Jim and e-mail at jim @ stepupforcharity.org (just remove the spaces) as soon as possible and he will gladly send you an invite with all the confidential info you'll need to find the "secret" location of the central Indiana fields on which this annual event is held. To help keep local riff-raff out and from possibly crashing the party, once you get directions, please do not post the info on the internet.
Unique about this year will be the fact that it truly will be an "open field". That's right; Jim planted NO CHILE PEPPERS this year for the first time in literally almost 50 years. Everyone has always proclaimed "it ain't about the chiles, it's the people!", so we'll soon find out.
If you've been there before, and are comfortable with finding the farm, come on in direct! Everyone is welcome to show up as early as the evening of Thursday October the 6th, and stay as late as the morning of October the 11th. Ahead of and beyond that, you'll still be welcome but Jim will not be available. For the "early birds" on the 6th, Jim will arrange a sit-down meal that may consist of BBQ, chiles, and/or steak (he'll decide at the time). Please let Jim know that you'll be there as he needs a head count for planning.
It is traditional, though not required, that folks bring food to share and a love of all things chile. Camping (primitive) is available on site and there are a decent number of hotels located about 20 to 30 minutes away. In his e-mail that he'll send you, Jim will tell you approximately where to look for hotel info. That's where the majority of folks stay. There are also limited spaces available at Jim's house, within driving distance of the fields. If you wish to stay at Jim's place of residence, please let him know! It's going to be first come, first served, and his house can provide lodging for up to 12 people.
There is room on site for several RVs and 5th wheels; just check with Jim before you set up. Remember, this is a working farm and it will be in the height of production this weekend and we need to make sure everyone stays out of the landlords' way. No point in having your tent run over by a tractor hauling apples at 2:00 AM because you were somewhere you shouldn't have been.;-)
It would be appreciated if you have chiles to bring and share. There will be the usual auction of donated materials on Saturday evening, a bonfire, and who knows what all else. It is expected to 'quiet down' along about 10 PM. You are happy to e-mail Jim if you have any questions.
Just for kicks and giggles, here's a TV piece from 2005 when Al Roker's TV crew visited Open Fields. Tell me if some of you don't recognize a face or two:
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Comments
2011-08-31 17:25:28
Who are the couple that gets in twice?
2011-08-31 20:03:13
2011-08-31 20:15:46
This is a MUST event for anyone who fancies themselves as a Chilehead. These are the grassroots members of the community, not a finer group of people to be found! Strictly a non-commercial event, it's all about sharing with your chilehead family. Any proceeds go to Jim's Step Up for Charity organization. Hope to see you there...
2011-08-31 21:35:11
2011-09-03 09:09:35
2011-09-05 22:08:32
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