Featuring Houston's own Chef's Duane And Greg Davis, Culinary Brothers who are renowned for their authentic Creole Gumbo.
Available for sale in the Main Gumbo Tent.
RULES AND GUIDELINES:
Gumbo Must:
1. ALL gumbo must be cooked onsite.
2. Roux can be started off site but MUST be completed and added day of event.
3. Chicken can be pre-cooked (or smoked) if it is separate and will be added later in the cooking process.
4. Please furnish your own water for cooking.
5. ALL other ingredients must be added onsite and in raw form, but may be cut ahead of time and subject to inspection upon check in.
6. Your team may begin cooking AFTER the Head Cook has reported to the Gumbo Coordination table and received your gumbo judging containers, and public tasting cups and spoons.
7. Cook at least 5 gallons of gumbo for both judging and public tasting.
8. No rice, crackers or potato salad to be served with judging cups, only gumbo. You are welcome to add it to public tastings
9. Must comply with All City of Houston Health regulations–
What is needed / provided / not furnished for each team:
1. NEEDED for each team:
- propane cooker & fuel,
- fire extinguisher,
- cooking pots,
- serving utensils,
- table,
- chairs,
- cooking safety gloves,
- hand sanitizer,
- water for setting up & cleaning up at your tent,
- ice chest and ice for your ingredients, and
- decorations for best decorated tent.
2. Three small buckets
- 1. Wash
- 2. Rinse
- 3. Sanitizer station for hand cleaning, 1 roll of paper towels at each tent, judging containers, small 4 oz tasting cups and spoons for public tasting.
3. NO ground fires. Electricity will not be provided.
4. PLEASE keep your booth clean and hands washed as you are serving samples to the public.
5. Head Cook and teams are responsible at the end to throw their provided trash bags in the bins on sight and leaving site clean at the end of the event.
Judging Rules:
1. Turn in your gumbo at the judging booth at 3:00pm in the containers provided to you at check in. Each container will have your booth number on them.
2. The judging will be done blind judging with local officials/ celebrities.
3. A certified Food manager/ Chef will inspect all contestants finished product to ensure food safety and proper temperature
4. You will be judged on the following:
- Appearance / Color / Smell – should look & smell appetizing
- Flavor - (seasoning / tenderness)
- Consistency – should be smooth combination of meat / seafood or roux.
- Overall / Aftertaste - should leave a pleasant taste after swallowing.
- The most decorated tent will also be judge.
5. There will be first, second, and third place winners
6. A People’s Choice Award
7. Provided by BIFA:
- 1 (one) 10X10 Tent (contestants may bring their own if additional space is needed)
- Double space will not be an additional charge
- 4 oz Tasting cups and spoons for judges and public tasting.
FOR VENDOR REGISTRATION & INFORMATION:
3rd Annual BIFA Film Festival & Black Gumbo Classic
Exhibitor & Vendor Rules, Regulations & Guidelines
Thank you for participating in the 3rd Annual BIFA Film Festival & Black Gumbo Classic. Our goal is to provide a safe, welcoming, professional, and family-friendly environment that celebrates film, culture, creativity, education, and community.
By submitting an application and participating in this event, all exhibitors and vendors agree to the following rules and regulations.
1. Exhibitor & Vendor Eligibility
BIFA welcomes participation from:
- Authors & Publishers
- Artists & Photographers
- Clothing & Fashion Retailers
- Jewelry & Handmade Goods
- Health & Beauty Products
- Home Décor & Gift Vendors
- Film & Entertainment Businesses
- Colleges & Universities
- Community Organizations
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Professional Services
- Technology & Media Companies
- Cultural & Heritage Organizations
- Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs
BIFA reserves the right to approve or deny any application based on event needs, product quality, duplication of merchandise, or appropriateness for the festival.
2. Booth Space
Each approved exhibitor/vendor will receive:
- One designated booth space
- One (1) 6-foot table
- Two (2) chairs
Exhibitors and vendors are responsible for providing any additional display materials they may need, including table coverings, shelving, display racks, signage, and canopies (if applicable).
3. Booth Presentation
Booths should be clean, organized, attractive, and professionally presented.
Participants should:
- Keep merchandise neatly displayed.
- Store boxes and extra inventory out of public view whenever possible.
- Maintain a clean booth throughout the event.
- Conduct business in a courteous and professional manner.
4. Setup & Breakdown
Vendor check-in and setup begins at 8:00 a.m.
All booths must be completely set up and ready for business no later than 10:45 a.m.
Festival hours are 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Exhibitors and vendors are encouraged to remain open throughout the festival. If business conditions make it practical, booths may begin dismantling after 5:00 p.m., provided doing so does not interfere with festival guests, neighboring exhibitors, or scheduled activities.
All booth spaces must be cleared promptly following the close of the festival.
5. Products & Services
Only products and services approved through the application process may be displayed or sold.
The following are prohibited:
- Counterfeit merchandise
- Weapons
- Fireworks
- Tobacco products
- Illegal substances
- Pornographic or sexually explicit materials
- Merchandise promoting hate, violence, or discrimination
BIFA reserves the right to require the removal of any item deemed inappropriate or inconsistent with the mission of the festival.
6. Sales
Exhibitors and vendors are responsible for:
- Collecting applicable sales taxes.
- Providing their own payment methods.
- Maintaining adequate change if accepting cash.
- Displaying prices clearly.
7. Electricity
Electricity is not available.
Generators, extension cords, power strips, electrical hookups, or other powered equipment are not permitted unless specifically authorized in writing by BIFA.
Please plan your booth accordingly.
8. Noise Policy
No amplified music, speakers, microphones, or sound systems are permitted without prior written approval from BIFA.
Demonstrations must not interfere with neighboring exhibitors or festival programming.
9. Professional Conduct
All exhibitors and vendors are expected to:
- Treat guests with courtesy and respect.
- Maintain a welcoming and professional attitude.
- Follow directions from festival staff.
- Refrain from aggressive sales tactics.
- Use language appropriate for a family-friendly event.
Disruptive, abusive, or unsafe behavior may result in immediate removal without refund.
10. Safety
Booths must not obstruct walkways or emergency access routes.
Displays should be securely arranged to prevent accidents.
Canopies, tents, banners, and display equipment must be properly secured at all times.
11. Security
While general event security may be present, exhibitors and vendors are solely responsible for their merchandise, cash, equipment, and personal belongings.
BIFA is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property.
12. Weather
The festival will take place rain or shine unless severe weather creates unsafe conditions.
No refunds will be issued due to weather-related interruptions or cancellations.
13. Cancellations
Vendor fees are non-refundable.
Booth spaces may not be transferred or reassigned without written approval from BIFA.
14. Photography & Media
By participating in the festival, exhibitors and vendors grant BIFA permission to photograph or record their booths, products, and activities for promotional, marketing, and archival purposes.
15. Parking
Vendor parking instructions will be provided prior to the festival.
Vehicles must be moved from unloading areas immediately after setup.
16. Cleanup
Each exhibitor/vendor is responsible for leaving their booth space clean and free of trash.
Failure to clean the assigned space may affect participation in future BIFA events.
17. Compliance
Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in:
- A verbal warning
- Removal from the festival
- Loss of eligibility to participate in future BIFA events
No refunds will be issued for rule violations.
Our Mission
The Black Independent Filmmakers Association (BIFA) exists to celebrate storytelling, culture, creativity, and community while investing in the next generation of filmmakers through our “We Got Next” initiative.
Thank you for helping us create an outstanding experience for our exhibitors, vendors, filmmakers, sponsors, and guests. We look forward to welcoming you to the 3rd Annual BIFA Film Festival & Black Gumbo Classic.