What could be more fun than gathering a group of friends and making 20 gallons of your favorite chili recipe to share with scores of other gregarious chili enthusiasts?

If your answer is "nothing!" or "a lot of things but that still sounds really awesome," now is the time to sign up to be a chef in Sausalito's 45th Annual Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, September 21 in beautiful Dunphy Park.

There is no cost to enter the cook-off, and Sausalito Parks and Recreation will even kick in $150 to help each team with their supplies budget. Teams are required to make 15 to 20 gallons of chili, and cooking must be done on-site in your cook-off booth.

Chefs are encouraged to sign up by August 26 to get their team listed on the commemorative apron. Two aprons will be given to each booth.

As in past years, teams will compete in three contest categories: Judges' Choice, People's Choice, and Best Booth. This year's cook-off theme is Out of This World.

Unlimited tasting wristbands for the Chili Cook-Off are $25 and will be available for purchase on July 22 via the Chili Cook-Off webpage. The hours of the event are 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Any questions about the Chili Cook-Off can be directed to Sausalito Parks and Recreation at recreation@sausalito.gov or (415) 289-4152.