It may be hot outside, but things will be even hotter inside the East Prospect Community Building when the Eastern York Area Recreation Commission (EYARC) and the East Prospect Playground Association host a chili cook-off. The organizations are looking for participants to sign up for the event, which will be held on Saturday, Aug. 19, beginning at 2:30 p.m. The registration deadline is Tuesday, Aug. 1.

"This is going to be our first annual chili cook-off," said Amanda Wompler, director of EYARC. "There had been chili cook-offs in the area before, but it's been quite a few years since one has been done, and I wanted to bring something back to the community that used to happen annually."

She encourages people from Eastern York and beyond to sign up. "We'd love to have people from our local community as well as people from outside the area who can come in and see what our community is all about," she said.

Judges will include East Prospect Mayor David Bubb. Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places, and certificates will be presented for a variety of categories, including spiciest and most flavorful.

There is a small charge to enter chili in the competition. Proceeds from the event will benefit programs of both EYARC and the East Prospect Playground Association.

"Our main focus is children," Wompler said of EYARC. "We run before- and after-school programs in Eastern York School District as well as a 10-week summer camp. We also try and do anything we can to support the community, including providing donations for families in need in our community."

East Prospect Playground Association is responsible for maintaining the ball field and also hosts a variety of community events and outreach programs, Wompler noted.

"Both of our organizations take pride in the Eastern York community," she stated. "We are family-oriented, and we're excited to offer an opportunity for everyone to come together and share in this community pride."

Along with chili contestants, the cook-off is free for members of the public, who can enjoy samples of the entries, she noted. "We'll also have coloring pages for kids, so people can bring their family," she said. "It's not going to be a long event. We'll have the taste testing and judging and a ceremony after that. The chili cook-off is a chance to come together, have a little fun and show off your culinary skills at the same time."

To sign up for the chili cook-off, email Wompler at EYARCdirector123@gmail.com or call 717-246-8155.