Ladies and gentlemen it is time once again to eat fire — for a good cause.

The Big Chili contest begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, but really it starts days before, in the chopping and stirring and spicing to goes into creating so many diverse chilis.

The event takes place at the P.A. Club in Oak Bluffs and is a fundraiser for the Red Stocking fund, which purchases clothing, toys and necessities for needy children during the holidays. There will be a mariachi band and all the chili you can eat, with over 25 professional and amateur chefs vying for chili bragging rights. For tickets and more information, visit bigchilfest.com.