(PHOTO COURTESY OF: DOWNTOWN ITHACA ALLIANCE)

(WENY) -- In just under a week, the 27th Annual Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-Off will return to the Commons.

The Cook-Off will take over the Commons on Saturday, March 1st from noon to 4 p.m. The event brings together local chefs, restaurants, and the community, for a day filled with competition, entertainment, and of course, chili.

Judges will award prizes for the following three categories:

- Best Meat Chili
- Best Vegetarian/Vegan Chili
- Best Chili-Inspired Dish

Attendees can also vote on their favorite chili to try to win the coveted People's Choice Award. There will be QR codes for people to scan to register to vote at the event.

For gamers, the Space Chili Challenge video game makes its return for the third year. People will have the chance to compete for the top-three highest scores to win Chili Cook-Off prizes until February 28th.

Ten sample tickets start at $15. Sampling tickets are sold in multiples of 10. Each ticket can be redeemed for one 2-3 ounce sample of chili, chili-inspired food, or craft beverage sample at participating Chili Cook-Off vendors.