The Downtown LaGrange Development Authority (DLDA) is again sponsoring the Chili Cook Off to take place in Lafayette Square in Downtown LaGrange from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 27.

This fun, family friendly event usually draws over 1,500 people and it is a great way for local groups to raise funds and increase public awareness about their charities and causes.

Members of the community will purchase a $5 ticket for the chance to sample a variety of chili and to cast a vote for their favorite. Professional chefs will also be judging the chili to select the Best Overall Chili winner. The first place winner will receive a cash prize of $200 with the second place winner will receive a $100 prize. There is also the opportunity for Cook Off participants to earn prize money for the Best Decorated Booth and the People’s Choice award for Best Chili. All Cook Off entries will earn some money just by participating, as the proceeds from the ticket sales will be equally divided among them, after the event expenses have been covered.

The DLDA has opened the event up to local groups and organizations in the community that have a cause that they would like to raise funds for. Some of the groups participating this year include Beall’s Plumbing, who is raising money for First Choice Women’s Center, LaGrange alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta fund raising for annual scholarships, LaGrange Ballet Guild raising funds for summer dance scholarships and Dr. Bill Miller, who is raising funds for Team Kyle.

There are still a few more openings in the competition and the DLDA welcomes applications from other local groups such as booster clubs and traveling sports clubs that are interested in participating in this LaGrange fall tradition. Through the years, many local organizations have found that the Chili Cook Off also serves as a great team building opportunity for them as they plan and work the event together.

For more information, please contact Barbie Watts at 706-298-4534 or email her at barbiew@downtownlagrange.com.