Plans for the 15th Annual “Hot Chili and Cool Cars” event are shifting into high gear. Thousands of visitors are expected to line Pacific Street in Rocklin this fall for one of South Placer’s biggest and most spirited community events for the whole family, hosted by the Rocklin Area Chamber of Commerce.

The event, whose Title Sponsors are Five Star Auto Care and RC Willey, will feature a chili cook-off, classic car contest, vendors, live entertainment, crafts and kids’ activities. Last year, more than 200 classic car owners and two dozen chili cooks attended the event, along with an estimated 10,000 people.

The Rocklin Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for businesses and individuals who are interested in making this year’s “Hot Chili and Cool Cars” even bigger and more exciting than last year’s successful event.

"Hot Chili and Cool Cars 2007 was bigger and better than ever,” said Robin Trimble, chief executive officer of the Rocklin Chamber. “We already have quite a few businesses and cars signed up, so I would encourage anyone who wants to get in on the action to do so right away.”

There are many opportunities for involvement, from sponsorships and vendor booths to cooking chili and volunteering at the event. Sponsors and vendors will be exposed to thousands of people who will attend the event from throughout the South Placer region.

Those who think their chili recipe has what it takes to be the champ can enter it into the chili competition. Chili will be judged in different categories, such as Best Chili, Most Unusual Chili, Hottest Chili and People’s Choice. The Best Chili winner receives a $300 prize.

“Hot Chili and Cool Cars has many exciting additions to look forward to this year, including new sponsorship opportunities,” said Amber Tillery, chair of the event and owner of Tillery Family Insurance. “We offer a sponsorship package that includes a business booth for not much more than the price of the booth alone. Plus, we've got a few more surprise enhancements up our sleeve so that Hot Chili and Cool Cars 2008 can be the best yet."

The event occurs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, rain or shine. The cars, chili booths and vendors will line Pacific Street between Rocklin Road and Midas Avenue.

For more information about sponsorships, volunteering or entering your car or chili in the Rocklin “Hot Chili and Cool Cars” event, please contact the Rocklin Area Chamber of Commerce at (916) 624-2548 or online at www.rocklinchamber.com.