The popular chili event has always offered samples of the competition chili to the public, but it never takes too long before the free chili is gone.

The chili bar means there should be plenty of chili for everyone.

“For the last few years, there has been no chili for sale,” at the Internationally Chili Society-sanctioned  event, said Roy Oddo, owner of Signature by the Lake, the downtown Kissimmee restaurant which will be maintaining the chili bar.

The chili bar will be serving up three varieties of chili throughout the day — vegetarian, beef and a spicy hot chicken variety, Oddo said.

The chili also will be served in a variety of ways including over rice or a  baked potato or on a chili dog.
The chili bar will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the same time as the chili event.

The public can still judge the competition chili, more than 40 competitors are expected. The winning chili takes home the People’s Choice Award. The public sampling starts at 3:01 p.m. and it usually only takes a few minutes before the competition chili is gobbled up by the crowd.

While taking home the People’s prize is a great honor, the chili contestants will have their eyes on the main prize — first prize in the regional cook-off. The first place chili chef wins a $1,500 purse and they are automatically entered in the world chili finals held later this year.
Competitors come from all over the state of Florida and throughout the Southeast. There is more than $4,000 in cash and prizes. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first- through sixth-place place winners.

There also will be a best tasting salsa contest and a chili verde (green chili) competition with more prizes. Local dignitaries, experienced chili judges and event sponsors will judge the chili. Additionally, there will be prizes for the best decorated booth.

The event  also features musical entertainment, children’s activities, a climbing wall, arts and crafts sales and a beer garden.

The event will be held at Kissimmee Lakefront Park South.
The chili cook-off is sponsored by the city of Kissimmee Parks and Recreation Department, Kissimmee Utility Authority, WHTQ 96.5 FM, International Chili Society, the Osceola News-Gazette and the Kissimmee Convention and Visitors Bureau.