NATCHEZ — Broadway Street will be on fire Saturday during the annual Natchez Rotary Chili Cook-off.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of the Grand Hotel on the bluff side, the cook-off will feature local teams competing for votes with their favorite chili recipes. The goal is to raise money for Natchez Children’s Home Services which is celebrating its 200th birthday this year.

The Rotary Club of Natchez took over the event six years ago, Past President Doug Wimberly said.

Fifteen to 20 teams are expected to compete this year. In years past, rivalries between local organizations and business have formed, which always makes the competition entertaining and fun, Wimberly said.

For $5, chili lovers can purchase tasting kits, which allow them to sample the different chili offerings. The kit also comes with a ticket that tasters can use to vote for their favorite chili making teams. The tickets count toward the coveted people’s choice award, given to the team with the most tickets. If chili tasters can’t decided on a favorite, additional tickets can be purchased.

Judges will also hand out other awards, including the best decorated booth and the best Halloween costume for children 10 and younger.

For the third year in a row, homemade root beer floats will be sold, made with Allen Richard’s homemade concoction.

“That’s always a treat and everybody likes that,” Wimberly said.

Richard will also offer five different micro-brewed craft beers for people to taste, Wimberly said. Other offerings include face painting, a children’s slide, custom-made chili bowls made by local potter Tom Hughes and a silent auction filled an assortment of irresistible items, Wimberly said.

Auction items include an Angels on the Bluff weekend package at Monmouth, a four-day stay in Gatlinburg, a Thanksgiving Day dinner for 12 and an assortment of local gift certificates, children’s toys and more.

“People need to come and take a look at the great things that will be auctioned off Saturday, Wimberly said.