Had a chance to drive by the chile fields today and I am happy to report that they are finally in the ground. It is the latest they have *ever* been planted, but here’s hoping for the best. I think we still stand a pretty good chance at chiles this fall. As noted by someone, the chiles were light last year but I think that was mostly due to the cool, damp summer we had.
This will serve as the first official invite to one and all for the Open Fields.
Dates: Sept 27th & 28th, though arriving early and staying late is not a problem… so long as you don’t hog all the chiles 
Location: Somewhere in Central Indiana. For planning purposes, figure your trip to “Waverly, IN” and that will land you close enough to determine mileage and costs.
Who: **ANYONE & EVERYONE** is invited. Due to the rules set forth by the too cool landlord though, it is by *invitation*. To be invited, send me an email with the subject header of “Open Fields”. In late August, early-mid September I will send out the official directions, rules, info, & regulations.
Cost: Zip, nada, none. It only costs you what it takes to get here. There is NO entry fee or purchase required. Help yourself to all the chiles there are to be had. I’ll try to get an official count up shortly.
What: The “Open Fields” is a celebration of all things chile. I plant a little over an acre of chiles (about 9,600 this year of 40-60 different varieties) for folks to come & help themselves. Most folks camp in the fields (*very* primitive though port-o-lets are on site), some choose to stay in hotels (20 miles away), and some just ‘day trip’. The idea is to chat with folks from all over the world (literally- people have come from England, Canada, The Netherlands, Denmark, New Zealand, & Australia), share food (most folks cook up stuff on site), swap stories, and generally enjoy all things chile with great folks.
- -Jim C
http://www.StepUpForCharity.org
Mild to Wild(R)
(this information shameless conveyed from the Chile-Heads mailing list by this blog’s owners)
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Maybe one day I can make it out there. This year I have a close friend’s wedding to attend. Save me a few trinidad scorpions.
Comment fired by Buddah — July 20, 2008- 7:16 am
Boy oh boy would I love to come on down and pick and drink a pint with Jim!
Comment fired by Jonathan Passow — July 21, 2008- 10:01 am
I’ll try and get you a few scorps buddah. That’s on the top of my list since mine all got ate by wabbits. Hoping to get several jolokias also.
Comment fired by hudd — July 21, 2008- 2:32 pm
if all them scoundrals get the jolokias before you get there, give me a call. my plants are still alive and kickin.
sure does suck being so bloody far away from everything. nothing close to PHX besides FF.
good luck on the peppers this year Jim. hope you are rested by the next weekend for, well you know
Comment fired by generallee — July 21, 2008- 2:49 pm
Don’t let them fool you! This pic is of *last* years field.
I want to thank Joe & Linda for posting this & emphasize that anyone & everyone is invited to come & help themselves to the chiles.
GenLee- I wasn’t ignoring you. I didn’t get your message until 8 PM Sunday. Long shifts at the FD all this week again.
Comment fired by Jim Campbell — July 21, 2008- 7:52 pm