Saturday (May 7) marks the return of the California State Chili and Inland Empire Menudo championships to the National Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino.

The International Chili Society event will run from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Chili and menudo tastings begin at 11 a.m.

Admission is free, and proceeds from the contests will go to the Friends of San Bernardino City Parks.

Teams will compete in several categories, including: Chili, chili verde, salsa, People’s Choice chili, best restaurant chili, and menudo.

In addition to the cook-offs, there will be Ms. Chili Pepper, Mr. Hot Sauce and the “World Famous” Shoot and Holler contests.

There will also be chili-eating and karaoke contests, folklorico dancers, a Western stunt show, craft vendors, live music and games and rides for the kids.

This is the 38th year for the chili contest and the seventh for the menudo cook-off.

For more information, click here to read Michel Nolan’s article from back in February.