By Anna Adams | Special to the Advertiser

Senior Connection of Chilton County is working to prepare for its third annual Chili Cook Off and Health Fair.

The Health Fair will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 20.

There will be a $5 entrance fee at the door with proceeds benefitting Senior Connection.

The fair will offer free chili tastings as well as free health screenings; both of these will be offered to anyone of any age, not just senior citizens.

“We had about 15 chili entries last year, and so far we have about that many this year,” said organizer Vanessa McKinney.

Last year’s chili cook-off winner was Wilma Easterling.

This year’s chili judges will be Suzannah Campbell, administrator of the new St. Vincent’s Hospital; Vickie Moseley; and Danny Jones.

Prizes include first place, $100 and a 2-foot trophy; second place, $50; and third place, $25.

Entries are still being accepted for the chili cook off, as well as booth spaces for the health screening.

There is a $25 dollar entry fee for both.

Schaeffer Eye Center and St. Vincent’s Hospital have already reserved booths for the fair.

“So far, we already have 11 booths signed up, but we are expecting more,” McKinney said.

Health education will be the main topic of the booths; this information as well as the screenings will be beneficial to residents’ health and well being.

Other entertainment will include Perfect Peach Line Dancers and more, including door prizes throughout the day.

Sen. Richard Shelby will be the event’s speaker; he will be speaking at 11 a.m.

“Last year, over 200 people came through, so we really hope the community will come out and support us and enjoy the day,” McKinney said.

The fair will be hosted at Senior Connection’s building, located at 304 Park Plaza in Clanton.

For more information, call Senior Connection Center at (205) 755-8227 or email chiltonseniorconnection@gmail.com.