ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Ithaca's 27th Annual Chili Cook-Off brought flavor and fun to the Commons on Saturday afternoon.  Over 40 chefs and local businesses participated in the event, serving up a variety of chili dishes to those in attendance. Those who participated could even win awards.

Attendees sampled, voted, and enjoyed live music and performances scattered throughout the event.   Hosted by the Downtown Ithaca Alliance, the 27th annual cook-off celebrated community and local businesses.  Organizers say it was a delicious way to bring people together on a chilly day.

"This is a time of year when people have had enough of being cooped up inside, and today is actually the perfect kind of weather for this. We had a little bit of snow earlier. It's nice and cold, right, so that hot chili really hits the spot. But this is also a chance for everybody to come back out, not only see one another, but also to experience all that we have to offer downtown," said Nan Rohrer, the CEO of the Downtown Ithaca Alliance.

The Downtown Ithaca Alliance says they will announce the winner of the People's Choice Award on Monday or Tuesday on their social media pages.