The children are back in school and it’s time to get in the kitchen and stir up a winning pot of chili. It might be hot outside, but fire up that kettle, dust off your favorite chili recipe and enter the Simon Kenton Chili Cook-off for the chance to win the grand prize of $1,000. The cook-off, held rain or shine, will be Sept. 23, in Urbana and is open to everyone. Total prize monies will be $2,000. Set up and cooking begins at 8 a.m. with samples given to the judges at 2 p.m. Free samples are then available to the public until the chili is gone. For registration forms, visit www.chilicookoffofurbana.com or call Beth Adair, 614-440-7560. Deadline for entry is Sept. 15.

The Hoopla Parade, held in conjunction with the cook-off, will begin at noon and will feature the Dayton Antioch Shriners and their fabulous miniature vehicles. Registration forms to participate in the Hoopla Parade are available on line. Contact [email protected] with questions. There is no charge to enter the parade and groups, clubs and musical organizations are encouraged to join the fun! The pet parade is always a hit and pet owners are invited to create a snazzy outfit for their pet to wear or build a special float for them to ride.

Urbana’s 11th annual Simon Kenton Chili Cook off Festival and Hoopla Parade is hosted by Monument Square District Inc. and will include a day full of activities, contests, live entertainment and fun for the whole family.

Fire up those pots and “tweak” those recipes – you just might win $1,000!