SANFORD – Fifteen chefs from various area eateries and agencies will be cookin’ up their best chili and chowder recipes for bragging rights at the annual Sanford Elks tasting contest, set for Friday Sept. 6 at the lodge at 13 Elm St.  in Sanford.

The “Chili and Chowda” Contest benefits the Maine Children’s Cancer Program; last year’s event earned $28,397 for the cause.

The MCCP has long been supported by Elks across Maine  — raising $4 million to help kids with cancer in the last 25 years — and more than half of that has been raised through the efforts of the Sanford Elks Lodge.

Tastings will be 5 to 7 p.m., at a suggested donation of $10. Plus, organizers say  there are bucket raffles galore and a live auction that starts at 8 p.m.

Sanford Elks spokeswoman Sherri Frechette said the organization has nearly doubled the number of entrants, vying for a coveted  award. Folks  can try them all, she said, and then vote for the People’s Choice Award.

Cooking up their best offerings will be: Apache Campground, Harris Turkey Farm, Iron Tails Saloon, Johnson’s Seafood & Steak, Keepin’ it Local, Marc Motors, Palmerosa Pines, Richies Jerk & BBQ, Sanford Elks #1430, SMHC Sanford Medical Center, Third Alarm Diner, Townline Restaurant, Varney Crossing Nursing Home, Wolves Club and Woodies Sports Bar and Grill.

Updates are  at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1132306233636289/.