The 19th Annual Chili-Fest will be conducted on Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Wells Junior High Campus in Wells. SUBMITTED PHOTO

WELLS —  The Wells Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its 19^th Annual Chili-Fest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019 at the Wells Junior High Campus on Route 1 in Wells.

Kennebunk Savings is the Primary Event Sponsor.

The “Maine State Cook-Off,” sanctioned by the International Chili Society, is among the last events available for “chiliheads” to qualify to compete in the World Championship which will be held this year from Sept. 6 to Sept. 8 in Des Moines, Iowa.  Entrants for the Wells cook-off have come from as far away as Florida, Nevada and Illinois and the winner of this event will represent the State of Maine in the World Championships.

The Cook-off will feature cooks in three categories Red Chili made with beef and red ripened chili peppers; Green Chili (verde) made with either chicken or pork and green chili peppers; and Homestyle (traditional chili with beans) along with a Youth Homestyle division.

Cash prizes and plaques are given to the winners along with bragging rights.

The chili cooks will be bringing their chili to be served from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the “People’s Choice” competition with a $250 first prize.  Ballots for “People’s Choice” are included in the “tasting kits” available for sale.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Wells Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund.

Food vendors and crafters make this an event to remember with free parking and free admission.

For detailed information, please go to www.wellschilifest.com.