Merrimack and Amherst Lions Clubs are collaborating to find the best chili recipes.

Chili cooks are invited to join a chili cook-off, March 2, where three local celebrity chefs will judge submissions in three categories: individual, Lions Clubs, and restaurants.

Featured judges are Up in Your Grill Pitmaster Dan DeCourcey, Copper Door Executive Chef Jay Smith, and CRACK’D Kitchen & Coffee Eatery’s Alan Frati.

The event will be videotaped and later posted to a variety of e-media, inviting viewers to purchase the entry recipes. All proceeds go to the Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation of New Hampshire.

“COVID-19 made us more creative than ever in attempting to execute the Amherst Lions Fire & Ice annual event since we couldn’t have a traditional event where the public chose the winners,” said Merrimack Lion and Co-Captain Adam Jump.

He added that recruiting judges was the key. “They have critical skills in taste, smell, heat, creativity and presentation. Chili cooks always do well in the five areas; the challenge is to select the best recipe.”

Co-Captain Joan Ferguson added that even with social distancing protocols in-place, the Lions are hoping to make the competition a lively event.

Winners receive a traveling trophy and bragging rights for one year.

Deadline to register is Feb. 24. To enter your chili and learn more details, go to www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/amherstnh or contact Adam Jump or Joan Ferguson at amherstlionsclub@gmail.com or call 603-672-6277.