Folks in South Jersey are getting ready to cook and eat at the third annual Delaware Valley International Chili Society Regional Chili Cook-Off, Concert and Festival on April 26 at Gloucester County College in Deptford.

"The goal of the event is to provide a fun-filled day for the entire family," said Rhone Carr, president of the Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce, which is presenting the event with Philadelphia country music station WXTU-FM 92.5.

The event will raise funds for five local charities -- the Boys and Girls Club, People for People, United Way, Habitat for Humanity and the 4-H Fair Association, Carr said.

In the day's professional chili cooking contests, judges will taste and vote on their favorite three entries in the traditional red, chili verde (green chili) and salsa categories. The winners in each category will be awarded cash prizes and trophies and qualify for the ICS World's Championship Chili Cook-Off in October.

In the amateur People's Choice contest, spectators attending the event will taste each of the chili entries and vote on their favorite. The chili cooks with the top three numbers of spectator votes will be awarded cash prizes and trophies.

In addition to the chili cooking contest, the event will include family fun and entertainment as well as a country music concert featuring Sara Evans, Jason Michael Carroll, Sarah Johns, Lost Trailers, Wanted and Chelsea Musick.

The day's festivities will also include a beer garden, classic car showcase, officiated by Bill "El Wingador" wing-eating contest billSimmons, United Way Duck Town kids activity area, pony rides, petting zoo, moon bounce, two-lane slide, joust, obstacle course, face painting, hair wrapping, temporary tattoos, clowns, arts and crafts, food and non-food vendors.

Chelsea Orcutt of Woolwich will perform the national anthem.