Firefighters sit at the judging table, surrounded by hordes of chili eaters and families, at the 2013 Chili Cookoff. (Photo by Carol Bates)

Chili lovers will be casting their votes and cheering on their favorite chefs to see if they can keep Chef Pete Kaiser of McMenamin’s, Weaver's Way (executive chef Bonnie Schuman), and newcomer Javelin Caterers (Joe Di Roma from Pottstown) from repeating their victories in the categories of best chilis at the Chestnut Hill Rotary's 4th Annual Chili Cookoff.

This cookoff, featuring all-you -can-eat chili, has become a community tradition for Mt. Airy, Chestnut Hill, and the surrounding areas. It will be held this year on Sunday April 6, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Brossman Center of the Lutheran Theological Seminary, 7301 Germantown Ave.

Sixteen different restaurants and caterers will have their best chili recipes out for tasting at the cookoff, and prizes will be awarded for several categories, including traditional chili, vegetarian chili, and exotic chili. Judging will be done both by the public and by Philadelphia firefighters. Adults will also be able to sample beer from The Yards, while kids will be thrilled by the magic of Ed Schmitt, card readers, loom band bracelet making, face painting, and more. Other attractions include a display of a full tent for refugees around the world set up by Shelter Box, a used book sale, and displays from a number of vendors.

This year's chili vendors include McMenamin’s, Earth Bread and Brewery, Cuisine Voila Catering, Philading, Green Soul, Campbell's Place, Bruno’s, Weavers Way, Hungry Bear Café and MaGerks, Javelin Caterers and Fatty's Bar & Grill.

Rotary also benefits from the support of its Chili Cookoff sponsors, including Elfant Wissahickon Realtors; The Carol Schwartz Gallery; National Penn Bank; Chestnut Hill Book Festival and Speaker Series; Ross & McCrea, LLP; Chestnut Hill Pharmacy; Cahill Tree Service; Kamelot Auctions; Tours for Non-Profits; PPR Note Academy; Chestnut Hill's Old City Paints – Benjamin Moore.

The cookoff will provide fun for the whole family. For more information and to buy advance tickets ($10 per adult) go to www.chestnuthillrotary.org. All proceeds are used to fund Rotary’s community and international projects.