BUCHANAN, Mich. — The Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Buchanan Meadows Meridian Senior Living is once again gearing up for the best chili walk in the area.

Buchanan may be a small town, but when it comes to serving chili, organizers say they do it big.

Last year there were more than 30 entries in what leaders describe as a remarkable variety. Chilies were made ground beef, steak, turkey, venison, pumpkin, chocolate and vegetable.

Does your chili have what it takes to win the coveted Golden Ladle? Leaders encourage everyone to enter their concoctions and recipes to find out.

On Thursday, March 19, local businesses and organizations will stand off to see who has the best chili in Buchanan. The public is encouraged to participate in the sampling, and each attendee may cast a vote for their favorite chili and best-named dish.

There will be a $2 per spoon charge this year. A portion of the money will once again go to a local charity, organizers have chosen the Buchanan District Library as the recipient. There will be prizes awarded for Judges’ Choice, People’s Choice and Best-Named chilies.

This year’s Chili Challenge will be in downtown Buchanan in a progressive fashion with the Buchanan District Library being the start and end point from 4 to 7 p.m. March 19.

Each contestant will be matched up with a local business to showcase both the chili and the place of business. Visitors will go door-to-door to sample each dish.

Downtown businesses are invited to share their spaces and give the community and visiting tourists a chance to get to know them better.

Those interested in participating in the chili cook-off must register by March 13 by calling the Buchanan Area Chamber at (269) 695-3291 or emailing back@buchanan.mi.us. The entry fee is $20.