What secret ingredient does it take to make award-winning chili?

Peanut butter? Prunes? How about rattlesnake?

Joel Erickson has tasted almost everything in 30 years of creating and judging spicy concoctions, and while some batches have proved better than others (he didn’t care for the rattlesnake), he’s always enjoyed the simple privilege of tasting.

“I’ve always loved cooking, and I thought making chili would be fun, so I participated in the 1978 Conejo Valley Days and have been doing it ever since.”

Erickson, a Thousand Oaks resident, will be among the 10 to 15 chili judges at Sunday’s 23rd annual Simi Valley Chili Cook-off and Car Show, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. As in past years, the event will be on the grounds of St. Rose of Lima School, 1305 Royal Ave.

With Erickson’s wife, Barbara, also participating, chili cook-offs have become a family affair. Together, the two have 50 years of chili-tasting experience.

“She doesn’t always help me cook, but she helps me judge and keep score at the cook-offs,” Joel Erickson said.

Several thousand are expected to attend this year’s event to try spicy food, admire exotic cars or enjoy the carnival rides.

All proceeds benefit charitable causes supported by the Knights of Columbus.

This year for the first time the Knights are partnering with Farmers Insurance Group to provide a Missing Information for Lost Kids (MILK) booth.

At the booth, parents will have the opportunity to get a free digital ID of their child, which includes a fingerprint as well as a photo.

It shows just how much both organizations care about the safety of families, said Vincent V. Vartanian, district manager for Farmers Insurance Group, one of the event’s biggest sponsors.

“A number of children have been recovered throughout the country by the timely use of this software, and there is absolutely no obligation for this service,” Vartanian said.

The Farmers Insurance booth will also have a 1925 Cadillac Phaeton on display.

“This was the first car that Farmers Insurance ever put a policy on, and it’s exciting to be able to see this incredible car in person,” said Cliff Wirtz, chair of the chili cook-off and car show.

Visitors can expect to see a variety of autos on display, including classic, custom, street rods, muscle, sport, trucks and special interest vehicles, Wirtz said.

If food is more up one’s alley, Wirtz suggests sampling some of the more than 20 different types of chili offered at the cook-off.

“Even after all the years I’ve attended this event, I still cannot believe how all the chili tastes different and every one gets better and better as you keep tasting,” Wirtz said.

Trophies and cash prizes will be awarded to winners in various categories in both the chili and car show events.

Live music and entertainment will be provided by KHAY 100.7 Country FM, the Royal High School cheerleaders, the Simi Valley Police Department K-9 Unit, the LAPD West Valley Volunteer Equestrian Unit and others.

“Last year the children really enjoyed the horses and live entertainment, and we’re looking forward to another fun event this year,” Wirtz said.

The event is open Sun., June 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children 6 to 12, seniors and disabled persons. Chili taste tickets are 50 cents each. Overflow parking is permitted across the street at Royal High School.