The Bowmanstown Pepper Festival is back, and this year will feature its first chili cook-off.

The festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Bowmanstown Volunteer Fire Company. Proceeds from the event will benefit the fire company.There is a $3 admission fee, and no charge for children under the age of 10.The festival will have live music, a beer garden, pepper vendors, jellies and jams, food vendors, wineries and children's activities.The chili cook-off will see contestants prepare their favorite chili recipe to be tasted by attendees.Tasting will be from 1-3 p.m. There is a $2 charge for adults, and $1 for children 5 years old and younger, and will include a 1-ounce sample of each chili.The chili cooking rules are as follows:• A minimum of four quarts (1 gallon) of chili must be cooked.• The chili is not required to be cooked on the site the day of the cook-off.• Only edible ingredients may be used. Beans are permitted, but no pasta or nuts are allowed.• Contestants must provide a list of ingredients on display at their table.• Everything must be prepared in a sanitary manner.• You must be willing to taste your own chili.• The chili must be kept at a minimum 140 degrees and covered with a lid when not serving.• Cooking conditions are subject to inspection.• Contestants are responsible for supplying cooking utensils and supplies needed.Prizes will be awarded to first place ($75 and a trophy) and second place ($50).Judging will be one-third of the people's choice, combined with two-thirds by a two-person judging team.The two-person judging team will have final say in awarding prizes.For more information, visit

Bowmanstownpepperfestival@gmail.com, or Facebook.com/bowmanstownpepperfestival.