FILE PHOTO SHE'S A BEAUTY- The "Reflection," owned by Daren and Lisa Friedman of Camarillo, is on display at last year's Knights of Columbus Chili Cook-Off and Car Show. This year's event begins Sunday at 10 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima School, 1325 Royal Ave. Chili, carnival games and hot cars will descend on Simi Valley when the annual Chili CookOff and Car Show returns to town this weekend.

Sponsored by the local Knights of Columbus, this year's cook-off is expected to attract its largest crowd ever.

"This is such a community event," said Gilbert Hernandez, chair in charge of the chili cooks and judges. "It's been going on for 21 years, and 80 percent of the people who attend are from Simi."

The event will take place at St. Rose of Lima School from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 8. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Anyone currently serving in the armed forces can attend free.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to various charities, including the Boy Scouts and cancer organizations.

"We're expecting another good crowd, "said Cliff Wartz, another event chair. "At least 8,000 people."

The chili cook-off portion of the event is recognized by the International Chili Society and features cash prizes of $500 for first place, $250 for second and $125 for third, Hernandez said.

The car show is divided into 15 different categories, including muscle, classic, street rods and special interest.

Vendors and carnival-style games, including a dunk tank, water balloon slingshots and a climbing wall, will also be featured at the cook-off.

In view of the high price of gas, Wartz said, an effort has been made to keep the festival's admission fees the same as last year. Some activities inside the event even cost less than before, he said.

"A family should be able to come to the cook-off and enjoy themselves without coming away dead financially," Wartz said.

The chili competition has aroused the competitive spirit of the Ya Ya Sisterhood, a group of female chefs who are all related to members of the Knights of Columbus.

Jean Conant, founder and chair of the sisterhood, said they are out for the gold after almost winning the People's Choice award last year.

"Last year we thought we would win, what with how people loved our chili," Conant said.

She added, "We expect to win this year."