POMEROY — Again this year the annual chili cook-off will be a feature of the Sternwheel Riverfest “Rally by the River” scheduled to kickoff on September 13.

The cook-off will take place on Saturday, September 15, and residents are being encouraged to organize their teams now and get registered to take part.

The entry fee for teams registering before September 10 is $10 and after that it will be $15. As in previous years team members who will be involved in the preparation and handling of the chili must show proof of a current tuberculosis test.

Belva Workman, chairman, can be reached for additional information at 742-3111.

As in previous years prizes will be awarded in two classes, corporate and individual. In addition a trophy will be presented for the People’s Choice Award which is determined by a vote of festival goers who join in tasting the finished product. The judging will be held at 2 p.m. on the day of the event.

Again this year the festival will get underway at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 13, with an opening ceremony conducted by Drew Webster Post, American Legion., followed by the fire truck parade, and then move into an evening of entertainment. The craft and food vendors will be open for business at 10 a.m. and at noon the Meigs Marauder Band directed by Toney Dingess will perform.

Highlights of the week will be the traditional sternwheel cruises on both Friday and Saturday, entertainment of all sorts, a talent show, a memorial balloon launch, a duck derby, and fireworks at 9 p.m. on Saturday with more entertainment to close out the festival.