Consider this last posted invite for Open Fields 2009. Here are some particulars. Come one, come all. Email me for details/directions/ invite/info with the subject header of "Open Fields 2009" for more. In brief, as if there'd be anyone on this list that doesn't already know :-) this is a FREE event**. Hang out with Chileheads from all over the world (Ian from England said he'll be there as might be Oliver from Australia), camp in the fields or stay in nearby hotels, and pick all the chiles you want. Participate in a charity raffle, cook up a sauce fresh from the fields for the contest, eat more food than you can imagine, and yes- probably drink a little bit ;-) You can also wish Scott KCK and wife Sherry happy anniversary as this is how/where they spend it! I'll try to arrange another gourmet meal at Richard's Kitchen for those here on Thursday but let me know so that I can warn them :-) Attach faces to a lot of the names you see here on the list! Hobby Farmer & Mrs Hobby with their infamous habanero peach ice cream, Dan from Ft Wayne, Ted the Chilehead, ChefKam, CaJohn, Cameron "Cardinal" Begg, Susan "Chilewoman", and so many others I'll let name themselves! There'll be MSN Rogues (some of whom are 'dual citizens', Bloggers, CH listers, locals, fans and so many lovers of the pod that I can't keep it all straight :-) The Media has even been known to show up now and again- FoodTV, Living Green magazine, Hoosier Farmer, Across Indiana... who knows- this could be your big break into stardom :-) They seem fascinated that a sub-culture of folks exist who actually *like* chiles :-) Dates are September 26th & 27th, though arriving early and staying late is welcomed. I-69 extension has been approved, not to mention my job change, so one of these years it *will* be the last year. I think this is the 13th, 14th or 15th, or so annual. Directions are NOT to be posted to general forums or blogs- it will be explained why in the email you receive upon emailing me. Slightly over 10,000 plants. Pardon the spellings- I'm too tired to care at the moment. Plants look great, but the chiles are slow since it's been such a cold summer. We've only had a few days over 90 F. We'll see how it goes. Yeeesh- time to start thinking about Port-o-let & tent rentals! Martinsville, though slightly farther, is certainly a straighter shot! They did pave that treacherous little section of road right across from the fields, so that helps the Franklin crowd. Here are the chiles. since this is supposed to about chiles :-) List deemed pretty complete though not guaranteed 100% accurate: 7-Pod, Aconcagua, African Fish, Aji Yellow, Atomic Fire (Chris), Bolivian Rainbow, Big Jim, Beni Highlands, Antillais Carribean, Boris Banana, Bulgarian Carrot, Butch T Hab Cross, Chacoense Red, Chiero Recife, Chimayo, Colba Rawat, Corno Di Toro, Cumari, Duquenes Backyard, Explosive Ember, Fatalii, Golden Nugget, Grif 9123, Grif 9410, Harrolds St Barts, Jamaican Chocolate, Jamaican Red Hot, Kung Pao, Louisianna Long, Malagueta, Marconi, Matt's Peperoncini, Nepalese Bell, Orange Hab, Orange Peter, Pimiento, Poblano, Poinsettia, Pimento, Purple Ornamental, Red Savina(R), Santo Domingo, Serrano, Spanish Spice, Sweet Cayenne, Sweet Diablo, Tabasco Yellow, Tormenta, Trinidad Scorpion, and Zavory -Jim C http://www.StepUpforCharity.org **the raffle and sauce contest are currently the only remaining sources of funds for the StepUp. Participating in the raffle/auction is GREATLY appreciated! There is some way too cool stuff donated this year, as in years past. Plan on bringing a buck or two for that.