Mount Airy’s Main Street will heat up on Saturday for the annual Main Street Heat Chili Cook-off.

The event, which is sanctioned by the International Chili Society, is organized by the 4 County Lions Club and the Mount Airy Main Street Association.

The event, which is free, is open from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and the street will be closed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in historic downtown. Chili tasting kits are $5 each, and can be purchased from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event includes entertainment, food, an all-day beer garden, a sanctioned corn hold tournament, children’s games and activities and — of course — chili.

Competitive cooks are expected from Maryland, as well as Massachusetts, Ohio, North Carolina and elsewhere. Winners will compete in the International Chili Society’s World Championship in October.

A free shuttle bus will take visitors from the Mount Airy Fire Company’s carnival grounds throughout the day. Free parking is available at the grounds, at 1008 Twin Arch Road in Mount Airy.

For details, go to www.mainstreetchili.com.