SOUTH FORK — Snow has graced the peaks in the San Juan Mountains as the calendar turns to October in the Valley and the Town of South Fork in partnership with the South Fork Visitors Center is ready to help spice up the chilly nights with their annual Chili Cookoff on Thursday, Oct. 12.

Though the focus of the event has changed over the years, the visitors center is ready to bring some heat to the community and is inviting everyone to come out and share in the fun. This year’s theme is Star Wars. Contestants are asked to name their delicious chili concoctions after famous “Star Wars” characters, places and even scenes, adding a twist of fun for the fiery event.

There are several categories for contestants to show off their culinary talents, including red chili, green chili, and salsa. Participants are asked to make enough chili to serve up to 300 people and to provide any accompaniments that help bring their tasty chili to the forefront of voting.

Guests who come to savor the event can vote for their favorite in each category and vote for their favorite table decorations which will be based on the epic Hollywood films.

“We're looking for more contestants, so if you're interested or know of anyone interested, please refer them to the South Fork Visitor's Center to sign up. Prizes included for winners of the competition and a guarantee of some great chili. We want this to be a community event so be sure to come out and have some fun with us,” said South Fork Visitors Center representative Josh Nelson.

In addition to the chili, people can welcome the new South Fork Visitor Center Director Larry Tumbleson and his wife Sharon. Tumbleson came on board as the new director about two months ago and has set his sights on making the visitors center a destination for people travelling to the area and the community.

To participate in the chili contest, call the South Fork Visitor Center at 719-873-5512 or stop by 28 Silverthread Lane in South Fork. The deadline to sign up is Oct. 10.