The 12th annual South Padre Island Chili Expo (SPICE) returns to Louie’s backyard on Feb. 4. The trade show and arts and crafts show will open to the public at 9 a.m. in front of Louie’s. Chili tasting will begin at 12 p.m. and is $5 per person. Participating guests will have five opportunities to participate in the 2012 People’s Choice Award selection and cast their vote.

Judging starts at 12 p.m. and winners will be announced between 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. There will be awards for People’s Choice, and first place in Showmanship, Vegetarian Chili, Freestyle Chili and Grand Champion. First through fourth places will be awarded for Best Red Chili recipes. Showmanship will be judged on theme, costume, booth set-up, action, and audience appeal. People’s Choice will be the pot of chili that receives the most votes from those attending the event.

The South Padre Island Chili Expo is not a sanctioned event. Teams will be allowed to put anything in their chili they desire. The main cooking rules are: chili must be cooked from scratch, on site, the day of the event, and contestants must cook a minimum of 10 pounds of meat per chili entry.

No alcohol is allowed on the premises during the contest. For more information contact the South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce at 956-761-4412.