A Tamaqua church will hold its first Chili Cook Off on Sunday, and is inviting the public to sample some delicious homemade recipes.

The event will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. from St. John Lutheran Church, Pine and Mauch Chunk streets, and will feature batches of chili made by the congregation.

“I know we have great cooks at St. John’s,” said church Secretary Linda Heigele.

Attendees will donate a $1 to sample each and all of the day’s offerings. They can also buy chili by the bowl for $3.50 or by the quart at $7.

Heigele said there will be different kinds of chili - including one she is making.

“Mine is not really spicy but it’s really good,” she said. “It is kind of like my dad’s (the late Earl Heigele) recipe.”

Samplers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite chili.

“If the event goes well, we plan on opening it to the general public in the future. People can enter their own chili,” Heigele said. “We wanted to start out slow with this event so for now it is just chili from church members.”

The cook-off was the idea of church Vicar Dillon Epler. Hot dogs and beverages, along with takeouts, will be available.

Proceeds will benefit St. John’s Property Improvement and Property Repair funds.

For more information, call 570-640-5261.