United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula will hold its seventh annual Local Heroes Chili Cook Off Tuesday, August 12, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Pullar Stadium in Sault Ste. Marie. Admission is $5 per adult; $3 for children 5 to 12; and free for children younger than 5.

The Chili Cook Off honors local heroes such as emergency response groups and nonprofit organizations, and spotlights United Way's 18 local health and human service agencies.

More than 35 teams have registered to compete for trophies and chili pepper hat awards. A panel of 12 judges taste samples of each chili entry and make awards for the best hot, mild, vegetarian, and white chili. A category for professional and restaurant entries was added last year and will be judged separately. A People's Choice Award will also be given, voted on by people attending the event, and the Best Decorated Booth will be honored.

This year's campaign goal is $365,000. According to Molly Paquin, United Way executive director, the amount requested by agencies far exceeds the amount available to be given, so every dollar counts. More than 98.5% of the funds raised locally are returned to the local community. This year the campaign will also include Mackinac and Luce counties. United Way recently changed its name to United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula to more accurately reflect where its donors live and where the agencies serve.

The cook-off will feature the music of Dave Stanaway and George Snider, a presentation by the Footlights Dance theatre, free balloons for children, and other children's activities.

Some spaces are still available for teams wishing to enter. Call the United Way at (906) 632-3700 for information.