The entry fee for teams is $50, while businesses can also take part by reserving a booth of their own to showcase their services and goods. The registration for those booths is $100, but those businesses or groups reserving a booth will be allowed to enter a cookoff team at no cost.

“It’s our goal to make sure as many people, businesses and groups have the opportunity to come together,” Thomas said. “We are expecting a big turnout.”

The deadline for teams and vendors to register is Thursday, March 1. Those wanting to register can find registration forms and rules at The Selma Times-Journal office on Water Avenue, BankTrust and other locations throughout Selma. A full list of those locations as well as the rules and registration information can be found at the cookoff’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Alabama-River-Chili-Cookoff.

For information, teams can contact Class XVIII member Becky Glaze at Henry Brick at 875-2600.

The competition will include a general best chili category, fan favorite and best booth design category.

Admission to the evening event will be $5 for those ages 9-and-up, while those age 8 and below will be allowed in free.