If Water Avenue had a booking agent, this would be as close to being double-booked as it might ever get.

Just days after thousands converged on Water Avenue for the annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee, the street will once again be busy as teams and guests will meet for the inaugural Alabama River Chili Cookoff.

The first-year event will be held Thursday, March 8 and will kick off at 5 p.m. The event, organized by Leadership Selma-Dallas County Class XVIII, goes to benefit the Salvation Army.

A total of 25 teams have signed to compete in the inaugural event including: Alfa Insurance, Alford & Associates, Amy Huff CPA, P.C., AXA Advisors LLC, BankTrust, Boyd Financial Group, Builder’s Supply, Central Alabama Co-Op, city of Selma, Cornerstone Realty, Extreme Fit, First Cahawba, Henry Brick, International Paper, Marion Bank and Trust, Pinebelt Wireless, Riverdale Credit Union, St. James Hotel, Selma City Council, Selma High School FLACA, The Selma Times-Journal, Side Porch Sandwiches, Tucker Family Dentistry and Wood Orthodontics.

These teams also join such sponsors as Artesian Utility Systems Management, Children’s Dentistry of Central Alabama, Karate Central, Screenco, Nico’s Custom Woodworks, Vaughan Regional Medical Center, WHBB/WDXX and Dallas County EMA.

Admission to the event is $5 for anyone ages 9 and up, while those younger than 9 will be allowed in free.

Guests can eat all the chili they want, as long as the chili lasts, and guests will have the chance to vote on the fan favorite chili.

The title for Best Judged Chili, Fan Favorite and Best Spirit will all be announced at 7 p.m.