Chili lovers will find some tasty new entries in the Fifth annual “Satan’s Revenge ChiliFest” that has been scheduled for Sunday, November 13th at Burgi’s Roundhouse Bar & Grille in Altoona to benefit the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society.

The annual fundraising event draws hundreds of hungry chili fans to sample more than a dozen varieties of the spicy dish with competitors battling for two major prizes.

The top prize (“Best Bowl”) is a traveling trophy awarded to the best chili as chosen by a celebrity judging panel. The “People’s Choice” award is given on the basis of votes as cast by party-goers.

Again this year the entertainment will be provided by local favorite “Zupe” (the one-man-band).

“We have a very special “twist” this year,” says Dave Hopkins, CPHS Executive Director and ChiliFest organizer. “Zupe has challenged TV10 Chief Meteorologist to a special ‘one-on-one’ chili cook-off. Zupe makes an excellent chili and he’s hopeful folks who try it will agree. Joe calls his chili ‘Murgo’s Meltdown’ and he’s offered it at several ChiliFests and other cook-offs and won public approval! He’ll be competing with Zupe’s ‘Showstopper’ chili and it should be fun!”

Murgo and Zupe will be judged separately from the professional offerings according to Hopkins.

This year will debut new and different entries from restaurants such as Signatures (at Scotch Valley Country Club)with “Signatures Back Nine” chili and “Par Three” chili, The Heidelberg Country Club (“HCC Tex/Mex Style” chili and “Three Bean Chili”), Fatty’s Pub (Altoona) with “Paint Peeling Chili” and “Fowl Tasting Chili” and the U.S. Hotel Restaurant & Tavern (Hollidaysburg) with “Holy Habanero!” chili.

Other familiar offerings will come from crowd favorite Rick Weidlich who will make an unprecedented 4th appearance representing the Altoona Fire Department. Weidlich’s “Flashover” chili has won the “Peoples Choice” award for the past three years.

“Rick was coaxed out of retirement to represent the fire department this year. They’re all hoping he’ll get the nod for another win,” says Hopkins.

Also scheduled for the event are returning restaurants Uriah’s Pub (winner of last years “Best Bowl” with their “Tijuana Red” chili), The Phoenix (a previous “Best Bowl” winner) serving up their all-new variety “Red Glare” chili , The Bull Pen (“Bull Pen Chili”) Racer’s Sports Bar with “Pit Stop” chili and “Checkered Flag” chili and host restaurant Burgi’s Roundhouse with “Diesel Fuel” and “Steam Engine” chili.

The event will also feature raffle prizes and a 50/50.

The celebrity judging panel this year will have some new faces. “We’ve invited a few major chili lovers who have distinguished themselves through their work in the media,” says Hopkins.

New to the panel this year will be Altoona Mirror City Editor Jay Young, Johnstown Tribune-Democrat editorial page Editor, Bruce Wissinger and WTAJ-TV news anchorman John Clay. Returning judges are Roger Corey (WALY radio), Sam Zema (Tyrone Daily Herald), Travis Koshko (WWCP-TV), Marty Radovanic (WJAC-TV), Craig Andrews (Q-94 radio), gastroenterologist Dr. Ralph McKibbin and neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Moncman.

“We really thank our judging panel and especially want to thank our sponsors this year,” says Hopkins.

Hopkins says “prime sponsor” City Beverage is new to the event this year. Other sponsors include New Look Uniform, Splish-Splash Carwash, the Gingrich Agency, Dr. Ralph McKibbin, the Brew Zoo, Blair Orthopedics Associates & Sports Medicine, Building II recreation center, W.S. Lee & Sons, Inc., Abby & Maggie Moncman , Blair Insurance, McAleer’s Plumbing and V.I.P. Pets and Aquarium.

Tickets for the all-you-can eat event (beginning at 7pm) are $12 and can be purchased at the CPHS Shelter (1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd.), the CPHS Thrift Shop (220 E. Walton Ave., Altoona), Chris’ Hallmark (Pleasant Valley Shopping Center), Thompson Pharmacy (Chestnut Ave., Altoona), V.I.P. Pets/Aquarium and all competing restaurants/pubs.

All proceeds from the event go to help the homeless animals at the CPHS shelter.

For more information on the event, contact Dave Hopkins at: 942-2477.