(PUEBLO, Colo.) — The Chili & Salsa Showdown is taking place on Thursday, Sept. 18, hosted by the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce and Visit Pueblo. The event kicks off the 31st Annual Pueblo Chile and Frijoles Festival.

Ten celebrity judges, including local news broadcasters and Rocky Mountain region chefs, will determine the best green chili, red chili, and salsa. Judging will include five categories in both commercial and non-commercial rounds, evaluating flavor, appeal, balance, ingredients, and texture.

Contestants for the non-commercial round may check in and drop off submissions from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., and the round begins at 9 a.m. Commercial contestants can check in their submissions from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., with the round starting at 1:30 p.m.

All contestants must use certified Pueblo green chiles in their recipes to qualify for the competition. Click here for more rules and regulations.

The award ceremony will take place on Friday, Sept. 19, at the El Pueblo History Museum at 6 p.m. Cash prizes and gifts will be awarded to the top performers in each category.