American frontiersman Kit Carson’s last words were, “I wish I had time for one more bowl of chili.” If Carson were still alive he could have all he wanted and more at the second annual Upper Township Fire Department Chili Cook-off.

“It’s a fundraiser to get money for equipment that we will need to buy throughout the year,” J.D. Pancake, Upper Township Fire Chief, said. “We have our levy on the ballot this year and we just want to show the community how much we appreciate them.”

The event is open to the community and for a $10 entry fee pits the area’s best chili recipes against one another. Sample of the chili will be available for either $2 or $1 and a canned food item.

“We are going to donate the canned food to the Backpack Buddies program at Campbell Chapel,” Pancake said. “Depending on how much we get we might donate to other area food bank as well.”

This year’s event will also include vendors who can set up for $10 and Pancake said he is currently trying to arrange for live entertainment at the event.

Vendors and those with chili can set up at 10 the day of the event, which opens to the public at 11 a.m. First, second and third-place prizes will be awarded in both judge’s choice and people’s choice categories. To register, call Pancake at 740-442-2209, pick up a registration form at the station every Tuesday until the week of the event or visit the department’s Facebook page where forms should be available within the next few days.