NATCHEZ — Natchez chapter of Rotary International members said there is no better way to warm up this weekend than with a hot bowl of chili in support of a good cause.

The 26th annual Chili Cook-off benefiting the Children’s Advocacy Center is 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday on Broadway Street. Tasting kits are $5 each and admission is free, said Suzanne Steckler, service chair for the Rotary Club of Natchez.

Steckler said 20 teams, including firefighters, local banks, the Coast Guard and other Natchez organizations are competing in this year’s cook-off.

Each team was asked to make 5 gallons of chili set up under a decorated tent to excite the hungry tasters who vote on their favorite chilies, she said.

“Its all good fun,” she said. “Tasting kits are $5 each, and for that you get a bowl, a spoon and a napkin and a ticket that you would use to vote on the best chili. Some who are feeling generous may purchase multiple tickets and vote more than once.”

Steckler said participants would win prizes for the best-decorated booth as well as bragging rights for the best tasting chili.

Besides the hot chili, the event also houses more fun and booths for everyone with face painting, a children’s blowup slide, adult beverages, soft drinks, homemade root beer floats and a silent auction table, Steckler said. Local potter Tom Hughes’ handmade clay bowls would also be available for purchase and have a special emblem that acknowledges the 100th year of the Natchez Rotary, Steckler said.

All proceeds will benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center, a group that investigates abuse in a child-friendly setting and provides trauma therapy and other resources to families in need, Steckler said. For more information, call Natchez Children’s Services at 601-442-6858 or 601-431-2598.