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The Blackbelt Benefit Group is bringing back the 13th annual Alabama River Chili Cook-Off founded by the Leadership Class XVIII on Thursday, Nov.  7.

Black Beltbelt Benefit group president Josh Wilkerson said they are excited once again to use this event as a fundraiser for the WINGS of Selma, program, which provides a respite for adults who are caregivers for loved ones with dementia or one of its many forms.

The title sponsor the event, Reliable Chevrolet, donated $1,500 to the event on Thursday. They said happy to partner with them for this worthwhile cause.

“We appreciate the support of Reliable Chevrolet for being the title sponsor of the event,” Wilkerson said. “Without their support and the support of all of the other sponsors, teams and volunteers, this would not be successful.”

Clay Carmichael, one of the Blackbelt Benefit Group’s board members, said what visitors can expect is traditional chili.

“It’s got to be your basic beef and bean chili with red sauce,” Carmichael said. “No white chili, no chicken chili, no white bean chili, none of that stuff. It is a competition of a basic chili recipe or anything like that.”

And sometimes, the simpler the recipe, the better results teams have in this competition.

“Henry Brick has won this contest I believe like five times, and they have probably the most basic recipe of all of them.”

Carmichael said that Budweiser, the event beer sponsor, will also be available for sale during the event for attendees of legal drinking age. There will also be other food trucks available. However, that is not covered by the $5 cover charge. 

The admission charge does allow you to eat as much chili as you want while tasting each team’s recipe. Attendees will be able to cast a vote for their favorite chili. The teams will also decorate their tents and dress up. The best-decorated, best-dressed team will receive the spirit award.

And children can also enjoy playing in the bounce houses that will be available. Music will be provided by deejay Terry Chestnut.

“So it’s just a fun time for everyone,” Carmichael said. 

The event takes place on Water Avenue near the Edmund Pettus Bridge, and it will begin at 5 p.m. Admission is $5 per person, and kids 5 and under are free. 

Wilkerson said to contact the Blackbelt Benefit Group at info@bbgal.com or call 334-410-0582 for more information or to see if they can accommodate any additional teams.