For the Reporter

Emerald Downs hosts the 37th annual Washington State Chili Cookoff on Saturday.

The cookoff runs from 1 to 7 p.m. in conjunction with live Thoroughbred racing.

Event producer Cynthia Stearns said more than 50 venues wanted to host the competition.

The International Chili Society sanctions the event, with winners advancing to the world championship in Las Vegas on Oct. 24-26.

Austin Miller serves as head judge, and Cheryl Miller is the scorekeeper.

Competitors will vie for top honors in three categories: chili red, chili verde and salsa. Winners in each category advance to the world competition (with minimum 10 competitors per category).

Chili-tasting kits (five for $5) will be available at the cookoff, a percentage of the proceeds going to charity.

For more information, visit www.emeralddowns.com.