By Blake Deshazo

The Selma Times-Journal

More than 40 teams are expected to crank up the heat in downtown Selma on Thursday, March 12 for the 4th Annual Alabama River Chili Cook-off.

More than 1,000 people turned out for last year’s chili festival, and the Leadership Selma-Dallas County Class XVIII is expecting this year’s cook-off to be even bigger.

“When we first started doing this four years ago, we had no idea that it would be this big,” said Ebony Rose, a member of Leadership Selma-Dallas County Class XVIII. “Four years later to see this expansion and to continue bringing people together is amazing.”

Like years past, the cook-off will have something for everyone to enjoy.

“It is music, chili, mascots competing in dance-offs and games,” Rose said. “The camaraderie is amazing.”

“When people think about the Alabama River Chili Cook-off we want people to think about fun and family.”

Rose said registration for the 4th Annual Alabama River Chili Cook-off will begin on Monday, Jan. 12.

The past three cook-offs have raised more than $20,000 for local charities, Rose said, and she is hoping to raise even more money for this year’s charity, SABRA Sanctuary.

“It is just always great to be able to help take a charity or organization to another level especially when they have done so much for our community,” Rose said.

“We’re just excited about bringing our community together. That is always the purpose of events especially when a charity is involved.”

Along with the charity and fun, people will get the opportunity to taste chilies from various teams from the Selma and Dallas County area.

“For $5 you get to taste over 40 chilies,” Rose said. “That is a lot if your stomach can handle it.”

Teams will compete for first, second and third place awards in the Best Judged competition, the Fan Favorite Award and Spirit Award for the best decorated booth.

“People are so serious about it,” Rose said. “They are like we’re going to get this trophy.”

The entry fee is $50 per team, and each team must have two adults. The deadline to register for the cook-off is Feb. 27.

“Everybody has fun, and with the majority of the teams coming back, I think it is all about competition,” said Leslie Free, also a member of Class XVIII.

“Everybody has that competitive nature, and they want to beat the team that won last year.”

TFor more information, call Leslie Free at 878-4543 or Becky Glaze at 875-2600.