Mark the calendar and start your appetite: The 27th annual Chili Fest is coming to Main Street from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 2.

Chili Fest is an annual tradition in Old Saybrook, during which chefs compete for the title of Best Chili by winning the public vote. Ballots cost $15 and are available starting Monday, Feb. 26, for pickup at the Chamber of Commerce office at 1 Main Street and online on the Chamber’s website. Ballots ordered online will still be picked up at the Chamber's office. There will also be ballot stations along Main Street on the day of the event.

Voters must sample at least 10 chilis for a ballot to be counted. Ballots are then submitted to drop-off locations on Main Street.

Money raised will support the Chamber’s Wilfred Hunter Memorial Scholarship, which provides scholarships to high school seniors. The chili chefs that get the top votes get a donation made to a charity of their choice.

The event features tables set up along Main Street with different chili variations to try. Judy Sullivan, the executive director for the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce, said the event is a big draw every year.

“It’s a great day, we’ll hope for great weather, and it’s a great event. It raises money for our scholarship, and the winners get donations to a charity of their choice, which is great,” said Sullivan.

Last year’s winner, Los Charros Cantina, donated to Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries as the charity of choice.

Sullivan said there will likely be 25 chilis to taste, encouraging attendees to get there early. The event is a popular one, and some chefs did run out of chili last year, according to Sullivan.

The Chili Fest has been a tradition in town for officially more than a quarter century. Sullivan estimated the festival has around 3,000 people attending every year.

For more information, visit www.oldsaybrookchamber.com/chili-fest