Winter means colder temperatures, but a local community group wants to warm things up a notch — with fresh hot pots of chili.

The second annual “Support ACH Chili Cook-Off” will be Saturday, Feb. 21, at Tom Byrne Park. The inaugural competition was a great success last year, raising money to buy new equipment for Atmore Community Hospital’s radiology department.

Atmore Mayor Jim Staff said that this year’s chili cook-off would also benefit ACH. The proceeds will be used to purchase a new smart pump for the hospital’s I.V. dispenser.

There will be prizes, and teams need to register ahead of time to participate. To register, call Atmore City Hall at (251) 368-2253.

The competition will be from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Tom Byrne Park on Saturday, Feb. 21. There is no cost for admission, but tickets will have to be purchased to try the different varieties of chili.

An “All You Can Eat” wristband will be $15, or patrons can purchase five samples for $7.

Staff, a member of the cook-off organization committee, said that last year’s event had 19 teams and organizers hope they can at least double that number this year.

“If folks want to practice for the big Mobile cook-off, then come on down,” he said. “It was a great success last year and we’re hoping it’ll be even bigger this year.”