Virginia City hosts the 27th annual Chili on the Comstock Regional Cook-off, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.
Sanctioned by the International Chili Society and produced by Plan It Big Events, the daylong event takes place in the heart of Virginia City, between Taylor and Union streets.
C Street will be closed to through traffic from 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
"We've set the cook-off up to be a street festival," said Rich Crombie, event coordinator and owner of Plan It Big. "This is something new, where we will have the booths and vendors set up between Taylor and Union streets and activities all day, to actively keep people engaged."
There will be some 20 to 30 cooks, Crombie said.
Folks can purchase 10 tastes for $5, and there will be many awards given, including People's Choice. In keeping with tradition, the Shoot and Holler contest also will be conducted. Local merchants will also have their own chili offerings available for tasting.
Living Legends and Horse Thief Canyon Gunfighters will bring an air of Old West authenticity to the event. In addition, Zomboo will be visiting from Channel 8, and there will be live music, vendors, face painting, balloon animals and more. A pinata contest also is planned.
Participants will have the chance to win a 2010 Chevrolet 4x4 truck with the Red Hot Horseshoe Toss contest.
New this year is a Splash Dogs dock jumping competition.
"We really wanted to bring in things that take the chili cook-off to the next level," Crombie said. "Splash Dogs is part of that, and anyone who wants to participate in that is welcome."
For more information or to inquire about vendor booths, call Crombie at 775-240-7958 or e-mail him at rich@planitbigevents.com.
For overnight accommodations and more information on this and other events happening in Virginia City, log on to www.VisitVirginiaCityNV
.com or call the Virginia City Visitor Center at 775-847-4386 or 800-718-7587.