NATCHEZ — Organizers promise the 23rd annual Broadway Bash Chili Cook-Off Saturday will be bigger, bolder and more flavorful than ever before.

More than 25 teams will face off to whip up a champion chili at 11 a.m. on the bluff across from Bowie’s Tavern, making this year’s cook-off the largest to date, Fat Mama’s Tamales manager Brandon Echols said. Fat Mama’s is the cook-off’s main sponsor.

Admission is free, but tasting kits for the public will be available for $5. Proceeds will benefit Natchez Children’s Home.

This year’s judging panel includes Natchez Mayor Jake Middleton, Adams County Supervisor Darryl Grennell, businessman Geoff Iles, registered nurse Christina Hall, Adams County Circuit Clerk Eddie Walker and Dr. Danita Weary.

“This is our first year helping organize the event,” Echols said Thursday. “We will set up events for children — we’ve got face painting, a space jump, a gem mine and we’ll have a dunking booth with some of our famous locals getting in there to take a turn,” Echols said.

Among those to be dunked Saturday are Vidalia Mayor Hyram Copeland, Municipal Judge Jim Blough, Alderman Ernest “Tony” Fields, Co-Lin Natchez Vice President Teresa Busby, Adams County Supervisor Henry Watts, Chancery Judge George Ward, attorney Kevin Colbert, and Trinity girls basketball coach Richy Spears.

Anderson said Bowie’s Tavern will open early to accommodate a silent auction, and the band Mojo Mudd will perform while teams perfect their signature chilis.

Because the cook-off falls on Halloween this year, individual children and adult costume contests will be held at noon.

“This event will take place rain or shine,” Anderson said.

For more information, call 601-304-2379.