Hundreds are expected to gather in downtown Selma Thursday, March 13 to be a part of an annual chili contest set to bring in a family-friendly atmosphere and money for a local organization.

The Leadership Selma-Dallas County Class XVIII is organizing their 3rd Annual Alabama River Chili Cookoff set for March 13 again on Water Avenue. Sponsored by Moore-Stewart Ford, this year’s chill contest will raise money for the Cahaba Center of Mental Health, which provides quality mental health, developmental disabilities and substance abuse services to residents of Dallas County, Perry and Wilcox County.

“It’s a great night for family,” co-chair of the organizing committee Leslie Free said. “We would love different people from the community to grab their friends, grab their cooking pot and come on.”

The night will include entertainment along with a chance to taste different chili recipes from all over the Dallas County area. The community is encouraged to join in the festivities by entering a team equipped with what they consider to be the best chili in the Dallas County area.

Contact Leadership Selma-Dallas County Class XVIII member Becky Glaze at 875-2600 to register a team. The registration fee is $25.

“All the teams have just have a great time,” Free said. “They decorate their tents with whatever theme they want to use and some teams go all out.”

Free said participating teams have the opportunity to earn the people’s choice awards, for the best tent decorations and chili. A new feature to this year’s event, is the offering of a $500 cash price to the best-judged chili.

Free said the community is a big supporter of the chill contest. The Cookoff normally attracts about 25 to 30 participating teams and hundreds of visitors.

At this time, 21 teams have signed up to participate.

“For the past two years, we have had an exceptional turn out from the people of Dallas County and the surrounding areas,” Free said. “We think it’s great.”

“People come up to me and say, ‘It was so much fun. Thank y’all for doing this. It was something different,” Free said. “With it being family-oriented, I think that helps to.”

Glaze said the Alabama River Chili Cookoff is a great addition to the Selma community.

“I think it’s a good opportunity for everyone to get together and have a really great time,” Glaze said.

Admission for adults, which is considered at least 9-years-old, is $5. Children get in free.

For more information, visit the Alabama River Chili Cookoff Facebook page.