The heat outside might be subsiding, but it will turn back up a few notches when guests get a taste of the entries at the 24th annual Dearborn Heights Firefighters Chili Cook-off.
The charity event takes place from noon until dusk Aug. 27 at Upper Parkland Park, on Ann Arbor Trail between Outer Drive and Evergreen.
While the main event is the chili competition, there also will be plenty of fun to be had with a family picnic area, raffles, food and beverages from Rusted Crow Distillery, face painting, children’s games, a dunk tank, a moonwalk and a fire engine water show.
Guests also are invited to take part in a raffle featuring more than $5,000 in prizes. Winners must be present for the drawings, which start at 4 p.m.
Although the event is spearheaded by the Dearborn Heights Fire Department, the general public participates in the cook-off contest, not the firefighters.
Cook-off winners will be judged on first through third places and a people’s choice award. The awards and prizes will depend on the donations the department receives.
The creatively cooked chilis are judged according to taste, texture, color and spices. Judging begins at about 2 p.m.