Can you repeat the words "chili challenge" rapidly five times? Nice try. Now do it again on Saturday after sampling Dr. Cliff Bost's prize-winning hot chili at the Peachtree Civitans Great Chili Challenge. Chances are the only word your lips will emit is "water": Bost took top honors at last year's event for the hottest chili.

A tablecloth depicting a nuclear explosion in a cacti-dotted desert bears the signatures and vivid descriptions of those patrons who dared to dip into the fiery mix. Comments from those who dared to sample his entry, which he describes as "basic chili really jazzed up," ranged from "Ay, caramba!" to "This chili will make you repent."

Bost will pit his pot against more than 30 other chili cooks from around the county, including former People's Choice award winner, Mike Culver, better known as "Chicken Man." Entrants in the third annual event will be counting on iron-stomached patrons and area dignitaries to decide on who takes home the prize.

The chili is free, but be warned "Children under 18 years of age will not be allowed to try my chili," Bost said in all seriousness.

All money raised from the event will be donated to the Joseph Sams School and Fayette Special Olympics. The Civitans hope to raise $12,000 this year, almost doubling last year's gift of $6,600.

According to Karen Bost and Linda Culver, coordinators for the challenge, entrants not only cook great chili, but they also set the stage for its presentation to the public.

Park Avenue Hair Design went "uptown" last year with a black tie and candelabra motif. Bost set the table with his autographable linen, while "Chicken Man" stuck to his feathers.

In addition to free chili, there will be music by Kopy Katz, door prizes drawn throughout the day and golf cart raffle, $5 per ticket. The fun starts at 9 a.m. with registration, booth set-up and chili preparation at Aberdeen Village Shopping Center, just off Ga. Highway 54 in Peachtree City. The challenge officially begins at 11 a.m. with judging starting at 11:15 a.m. The event will culminate with an awards ceremony at 3 p.m.

Prizes will be given for first and second place Judge's Choice and first and second place People's Choice. Additional awards will be handed out to the chef with the best vegetarian chili and the hottest chili.

Judges willing to put their palates on the the line are state senators Pam Glanton and Rick Price, state representative Lynn Westmoreland, Peachtree City Mayor Bob Lenox, Brooks Mayor Bob Butler, Woolsey City Councilman Jack Gilson, and to put out the fire, Fayetteville Fire Chief Alan Jones and Peachtree City Fire Chief Gerald Reid.

"It's amazing how many kinds of chili there are," noted Bost. "Last year, there was a pumpkin chili which was really good," he said. "There was also a chili topped with peach chutney."

From the standard mix of beans and beef to off-beat pairings of Buffalo wings and pintos, plus a shot of Jack Daniels chili, there's bound to be a pot of chili to please the most finicky eater.

Sponsors for the 3rd annual Peachtree Civitan Great Chili Challenge are:

Five alarm sponsors

Peachtree City Chiropractic/Dr. Cliff Bost; Georgia Pacific; Park Avenue Hair Design; Valentine Heating and Air; Martial Arts America; Fayette County offices of Edward Jones Investments; Kwik Kopy Printing; Creative Graphics Signs, Inc.; Fayette Daily News and Today in Peachtree City; and Golf Car Sales & Supply, Inc.

Three alarm sponsors

Publix Super Markets; Fayette Directory; Longhorn Steakhouse; Charlie Horse Steak House; Package Depot; Fairbanco; All Eyes Optical/Dr. David Johnson; Terri Hornfeck, Inc./RE/MAX Results; and American Sport Tees.

The Facts

* Great Chili Challenge

* Saturday, Oct. 3

* 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

* Aberdeen Village Shopping

Center, Peachtree City

* Free

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