Hot time guaranteed at Chili Smackdown fundraiser

Though the annual Chili Cook-off and Fall Festival couldn’t be held as planned this year, chili lovers can still enjoy offerings from local restaurants during next month’s 2020 Chili Smackdown.

The four-day event, featuring both meat-based and vegan chili selections, raises funds for the Association for Mental Health and Wellness and supports community mental health services.

From Friday, Oct. 16 through Sunday, Oct. 18, several local restaurants will offer their chili dishes, with a portion of proceeds benefiting mental health services. Participants can also visit the Association for Mental Health and Wellness at 939 Johnson Ave. in Ronkonkoma on Saturday, Oct. 17 between noon and 5 p.m. to enjoy “grab-and-go” drive-up pints of chili from their cars.

The event will culminate in a Facebook Live award ceremony at 7 p.m. on Oct. 19 to recognize the chili teams that have provided the most chili and to award raffle prizes, which include a range of products, services and experiences.