Area residents can click their heels and follow the yellow brick road to vote for their favorite chilis and salsas this year at the “Wizard of Oz”-themed Chili and Salsa Cook-Off on Oct  28.

Morgan Williams, Cassville area Chamber of Commerce director, said the annual event, which has been on the Cassville downtown square for more than 30 years, has nine chili and three salsa competitors signed up so far, with the deadline to reserve a chili booth today (Wednesday).

“The 18th is when we meet with the health department, so we have to have chili entries by then,” she said. “The deadline to register for a booth is Oct. 20. A 10×10 without electricity is $50, and a 10×10 with electricity is $75.”

The Oz theme this year will be reflected in the map of the square, with Kansas Lane running on Eighth Street, the yellow brick road traversing West Street where chili and salsa cookers will be set up, Emerald Way running on Seventh Street, and Munchkin Land encompassing the corner of West and Seventh streets.

“This is a theme we have never done, and we’re excited to have the kids’ area playing off Munchkin Land,” Williams said. “We also want to sidewalk chalk the yellow brick road, but we are trying to do it in a way it will come off easily.”

Munchkin Land will feature multiple carnival attractions, as well as a train ride new to the Cook-Off.

“The Cassville High School band will perform at 11:30 a.m., and we will have a live DJ,” Williams said. “Tasting kits for chili and salsa are $3 each, and tasting will start at noon.”

Each tasting kit includes color-coded beads for voting. Those who purchase tasting kits may vote for People’s Choice Chili, People’s Choice Salsa, Best Decorated Booth and Most Spirited Booth. Awards will also be given for Judges’ Choice Chili and Judges’ Choice Salsa.

Booths will open at 8 a.m., and awards will be announced at 2 p.m.

To reserve a booth, people may visit www.cassville.com/chili-cook-off.