Warm up at annual Pints in the Park Thursday

Get warmed up with chilies, soups and beer served in Central Park for Pints in the Park on Thursday, Oct. 4, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Pints in the Park still is taking contestants for the chili and soup competition. The one requirement is that it is cooked in a certified kitchen. Area businesses and individuals have already signed up like Your Dream Home, Central Park Coffee, The REC Center and a family rivalry, Norma, Tony and Shannon Baker from Walt's Taproom.

Main Street Director Lisa Oetken expects anywhere from 12 to 20 soups and chilies. Breweries present will be Backpack Brewing, Millstream Brewing Company, Golden Eagle Brewery and many others. Last year, eight local breweries were present offering a different kind of beer at each station.

'It kicks off the fall,” Oetken said. 'People are starting to think soups and chilies. It's a great way to get back together. Summer's over and everyone is getting back into a routine.”

The band Sean Costanza will be playing Thursday.

Judges will be served chili throughout the night and judge it based on color, aroma, texture, flavor and spiciness. As the chili heats up, many customers last year were grateful for the beer to cool down the spiciness.

Last year's title defenders are KILJ, who took first place for hottest edible chili and Not Your Mommas judges pick; West Liberty Foods, who won best theme with their turkey chili and an inflatable turkey on their table; and The REC Center who won People's Choice.

There is a fee for the event.

To submit a chili for competition, contact Lisa Oetken at the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance.