GULF SHORES, Ala. — The Chili Appreciation Society International is calling on cooks to compete in the 18th annual Alabama State Chili Cook-off.

President of the society, and Gulf Shores city clerk, Renee Moore encourages all chili enthusiasts to take part in the fun.

“I know a lot of times local folks won’t enter because they think it’s too daunting,” Moore said. “But it’s not really that complicated.”

The state cook-off will be held April 4 at the Gulf Shores Adult Activity Center.

Anyone is welcome to enter the competition and there will be three separate contests. There is a $20 entry fee to take part in the two-day event.

On April 3, chili will be judged for points. Moore pointed out it takes so many points to qualify to go to Terlingua. Chili must be turned in by 8 p.m.

The state cook-off, the main event on April 4, will award the top three chili winners, giving them an automatic spot in the Terlingua International Chili Championship in Terlingua, Texas. Chili must be turned in by 1 p.m.

For both contests, chili can not have fillers, like beans or macaroni, only meat or gravy, Moore said.

There will be an open chili category, where no rules apply, to be judged on April 4. Chili must be turned in by 1 p.m.

Moore said judging will be based on taste, color, aftertaste, aroma and consistency.

She offered a hinting tip, “There’s no meat specification.”

The society is a large and well known group. There are 75 groups, called pods, in the society and Moore presides over them all. She is the first female president and the first president to reside outside of Texas. Moore has been the Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee Women’s state champions.

Not only does Gulf Shores house the president of the society, currently, the state of Alabama champion is Dizzy Bean owner Cindy Stewart.

The state competition’s recognition will be pulling cooks from all over.

“I know we are going to have cooks from Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Indiana Louisiana, Georgia, Florida and Alabama,” Moore said.

The public is welcome to take part by buying a $2 tasting bowl. The doors open at noon on April 4 and at 1 p.m. the tasting will begin.

The chili society is a nonprofit organization, and this year’s proceeds from the Alabama competition will benefit the local Island Band Foundation.

The foundation supports Gulf Shores High School and its feeder schools’ band programs, according to GSHS Band director Tim Brannan.

Money provided by the Island Band Foundation helps pay for new equipment, sheet music and trips. He said money is needed soon for the GSHS Band’s trip to take part in Hawaii’s 50th anniversary as a state.

More information can be found online at chili.org and those interested can contact Moore at 251-949-7000 or register at the Adult Activity Center by 5 p.m. on April 3 and 10 a.m. on April 4.