The smell of homemade chili and Brunswick stew will fill downtown Summerville today as the annual Summerville Steam Special Chili and Brunswick Stew Cook-Off returns to the historic Summerville Depot.

The event, sponsored by Summerville Main Street, takes place today, Saturday, October 24, from 10 AM until 3 PM, with free admission for the public.

Ten amateur cooking teams will compete for cash prizes, trophies and bragging rights as they prepare their favorite chili and Brunswick stew recipes.

Visitors will have an opportunity to sample the entries and vote for their favorites in the People’s Choice competition.

Tasting wristbands will be available for $5 beginning at 10 AM and continuing until 2 PM, or until sold out. Visitors can also vote for their favorite team theme and spirit, with additional votes available for $1 each.

This year’s competing teams include Alley Cats BBQ, Chill-N-Grill, Up N Smoke’s Haunted House, Old Fashioned Western Chili & Stew, Gaylesville First Baptist Church’s Country Pumpkins, Thank A Farmer, Possum Drool Stew, Pot of Gold, Purple Haze and Quack Attack.

Cash prizes for the judged chili and Brunswick stew competitions include $500 for first place, $200 for second place and $100 for third place in each division.

In addition to the cooking competition, the event will feature craft and dessert vendors, music and indoor dining in the Depot Freight Room. Competing teams will also have food available for purchase.

Another highlight of today’s event will be the scheduled arrival of a Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum steam train at 1 PM. Visitors will have an opportunity to see the historic Joe Robert Norton Turntable, which is used to turn steam locomotives at the Summerville Depot.

The Summerville Steam Special Chili and Brunswick Stew Cook-Off takes place today from 10 AM until 3 PM at the Summerville Depot.