The 11th annual Wakelee United Methodist Church Chili Cook-off is set for March 15. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children. (Photo submitted)

MARCELLUS — Whether you enjoy the heat of competition or you just enjoy eating the steaming concoction, Wakelee United Methodist Church is the place to be at 6 p.m., Saturday, March 15 for the 11th annual Chili Cook-off.

The evening of fun and fundraising will help send local youth to UMC camps.

The menu will consist of many varieties of chili, corn bread, dessert and a beverage. Hot dogs will also be available for the children. The cost is low enough to bring the family and invite friends to join you: $5 adults, $3 children (ages 3 and under eat free).

New this year will be a live auction with auctioneer David Haase starting the bidding at 7 p.m. Event chairperson Nancy Goodrich said the list of auction items continues to grow. Included are two beautiful handcrafted bed-size quilts, produced through many hours of work by experienced quilters Claire Knapp and Deb Breseman. Both the quilts are finished with machine-quilted design work, making the backs just as lovely as the fronts.

The Wakelee Woodcutters, a group of men who cut and donate wood to local families in need of wood to heat their homes, have donated a trailer-load of cut and split mixed hardwood that they will make arrangements to deliver to the winning bidder. Among other auction items are a bench drill press, a rolling stool, Disney character dolls, a deluxe bird feeder, crocheted baby afghans, wool mittens, eggs laid by free-range chickens and a variety of baked goods.

“We’re hoping in addition to the fun and excitement surrounding competing for chili prizes and auction bidding, this event will raise enough money so finances aren’t a determining factor in whether local kids can go to camp,” says Goodrich, a strong advocate of United Methodist camps. The first of three generations of campers in her family, Goodrich says camp provides an environment where children can have fun, make new friends and grow closer to nature and to God.

To enter the chili competition, donate an item for the auction or purchase tickets or call the church office at (269) 646-2049 and leave a message. Tickets will also be available at the door the evening of the cook-off.

The church’s address is 15921 Dutch Settlement St., located three miles west of M-40.