Last updated August 31, 2026
These Terms & Conditions govern your use of borschtcookoff.com (the “Site”) and your participation in the Houston Borscht Cook-Off event (“the Event”). By using this Site or registering for the Event, you agree to these terms.
About the Event
The Houston Borscht Cook-Off is a community food festival celebrating Ukrainian culture. Proceeds support humanitarian aid to Ukraine through our partnership with HTX4Ukraine. Event details published on this Site (date, time, and venue) are accurate as of the date they’re posted, but may change — check this Site for the most current information before attending.
Food safety disclaimer
Your health and safety are important to us. Please read this section carefully before tasting any food at the Event. By participating, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
Assumption of risk
Food available at the Event has been prepared in home kitchens by amateur cooks and is not subject to inspection by a commercial food safety authority. You are voluntarily tasting this food at your own risk. The event organizers and cook-off participants assume no liability for any adverse reactions, illness, or injury that may result from consuming the food.
Allergens and ingredients
- Ingredients are not confirmed or guaranteed by the event organizers.
- Foods may contain common allergens, including but not limited to peanuts, tree nuts, soy, dairy, eggs, wheat, shellfish, and other ingredients.
- Cross-contact and cross-contamination are possible during preparation, transport, and serving.
- If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, we strongly advise you to exercise extreme caution or refrain from tasting the food entirely.
Food temperature and handling
- While teams are required to include one member trained on safe food handling, it is the individual team’s responsibility to ensure proper food temperatures are maintained throughout the Event.
- Perishable foods may have been left in the “Danger Zone” (between 40°F and 140°F) for extended periods.
- Event organizers cannot guarantee proper storage or handling for all dishes.
Attendees with known allergies or health conditions should not rely on this Event for safe food consumption. This disclaimer covers all food and beverages served or consumed during the Event. By tasting the food at this cook-off, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this disclaimer and voluntarily assume all risks associated with your participation.
Using this Site
This Site is provided for informational purposes — learning about the Event, registering a team, becoming a sponsor, and donating. You agree to use it only for its intended purpose and not to attempt to disrupt, misuse, or gain unauthorized access to any part of it.
Team registration
Registering a team through the form linked on this Site does not guarantee a spot in the Event — registrations are subject to review and acceptance by the organizers, and space may be limited. Rules provided for download at registration govern participation; by registering, you agree to follow them. The organizers may update Event rules, schedule, or format at their discretion.
Donations, sponsorships, and payments
All payments made through this Site — donations, sponsorships, or team fees — are processed by PayPal, not by us directly. Your transaction is subject to PayPal’s own terms of service. Except where required by law, donations and payments are non-refundable.
Intellectual property
The content on this Site — including text, photos, graphics, and the Houston Borscht Cook-Off name and logo — belongs to the Houston Borscht Cook-Off unless otherwise credited. You’re welcome to share links to this Site, but please don’t reproduce its content elsewhere without asking us first.
Third-party links
This Site links to third-party services (PayPal, Google Forms, Instagram, Facebook) that we don’t control. We aren’t responsible for their content, availability, or practices — your use of those services is governed by their own terms.
No warranty
This Site and the information on it are provided “as is,” without warranties of any kind. We do our best to keep Event details accurate and the Site running smoothly, but we don’t guarantee it will always be error-free or uninterrupted.
Limitation of liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Houston Borscht Cook-Off and its organizers aren’t liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of this Site or participation in the Event.
Governing law
These terms are governed by the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.
Changes to these terms
We may update these terms from time to time. Changes take effect as soon as they’re posted here, with the date at the top updated accordingly.
Contact us
Questions about these terms? Reach us at htxborschtcookoff@gmail.com.