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By Travis Gupton

The Selma Times-Journal

The Blackbelt Benefit Group will be holding its annual Alabama River Chili Cookoff to help raise money for the community on a different date this year.

The cookoff will now take place on Thursday, November 10 at 5 p.m. The change comes after the Blackbelt Benefit group realized there was a conflict of dates with National Wildlife Federation’s Wild Game Cookoff that was scheduled on the same day the Chili Cookoff was scheduled for.

This will be the 11th year the chili cookoff has come to Selma to help raise money for the community.

“We want everyone to come out. Who doesn’t love chili?” Blackbelt Benefit Group member Carl Bowline said. “It’s all about bringing the people out. It brings people from all over out to our downtown area which is a magical place. The cookoff helps unite the community. We will have 10,15, maybe 20 teams out for the cookoff and they will dress up and decorate their booths but it is all to help unite the community.”

The money raised this year will go towards supporting Cahaba Mental Health, which serves people with mental illness and developmental disabilities in Dallas, Perry, and Wilcox Counties.

Local judges will be on hand to taste test each team’s chili, and also give other awards, such as best team spirit. Paul Alexander of Alexander FM WALX will host a live radio show from the event, and also serve as DJ to keep the toes tapping of team members and attendees.

There have been changes in some important dates from last year. If your company wants to be a sponsor, the sponsorship money is due October 10. You can pay 50% up-front and the other 50% by the due date.

There is a team registration deadline for the cookoff on October 19. If you miss the registration deadline you have one more opportunity to get into the cookoff. The late registration with a $25 fee is after October 19 until November 3.

Lastly, team meetings will be held on November 3 at Tally Ho at 5:30 p.m.

There are three levels of sponsorships available for the cookoff. The lowest tier is the $300 Bronze Sponsor, which includes one chili cookoff team and a small business logo/name included on a banner.

There is a $600 Silver Sponsor, which includes a chili cookoff team, a medium business logo/name included on a banner, and a Business name/logo listed on ads in the newspaper. The top tier is the $1,200 Gold Sponsor.

This sponsorship includes up to two chili cookoff teams, a large business logo/ name included on a banner, your name/logo listed in ads listed in the newspaper, and your business name mentioned on the radio.

If you want to be a sponsor make checks payable to the Blackbelt Benefit Group at 910 Landline Road, Selma, Alabama 36701.

If you have any questions about the event you are encouraged to email info@bbgal.org to get more information.

This is an event geared toward bringing the community closer together and enjoying some good music and food all for a great cause.