On Sunday, the Chili Cookoff that is part of the annual Conejo Valley Days celebration will be expanded to accommodate more local cooks this year.

"We're hoping that maybe 20 people who haven't pre-registered will make spur-of-the-moment decisions to come and prepare, or come and share previously cooked family favorites or heirloom recipes," said Tammie Helmuth of Ventura, co-chair of the Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks' annual Chili Cookoff.

"This is a community-based event so we want even more of the community involved," Helmuth said.

Contenders for the "people's choice" award generally cook up big batches of chili ahead of time because there's not enough time to do more than heat it up on-site, said Helmuth. Otherwise, chili chefs must tote in everything they need, from booth and stoves to tables, day tents and water.

"The only thing we provide is a 15-foot by 30-foot space, and a big sink to clean equipment in," Helmuth said.

Rotary member Doug Tapking, who helps coordinate judging, said not all chilis are made equal, nor do all chili recipes call for fillers such as rice, beans and potatoes.

"The primary difference in real' chili with meat is in the spices," he said. Some standard spices, other than salt and pepper, are chili powder, cumin, oregano, chocolate and cinnamon.

Chefs must check in from 6 to 9 a.m.

Gates will open to the public at 10 a.m., and no one will be admitted after 4 p.m.

The event will be at Conejo Creek Park South, on Janss Road at Highway 23. Admission is $5 for adults, with children 12 and under admitted free.

Helmuth, co-chair Susan Murata, Rotary Club President Vicki Arndt and CVD site chairman Kim Ruda walked about the grassy site last week to decide where various items will be placed.

"Because we're expanding this year, both in terms of spots available for cooks and number of vendors, our layout is going from a square to a long rectangle," Helmuth said Tuesday. "Compared to last year's figure of 38 chefs, this year there will be about 60, with one-half local entrants."

She said the competitors come from all over the United States, dreaming of ICS champion status.

Similarly increased is the number of food and craft vendors, from 20 in 2007 to 55 in 2008, said Helmuth.

Co-chair Murata, of Simi Valley, said the Kids Zone has expanded and is more affordable, with "pay as you go" for arts and crafts, bounce houses, pony rides, petting zoo and airbrush tattoos.

Since good weather is forecast Sunday, Helmuth predicts this year's attendance could reach 18,000 or more.

Another CVD activity at the park Sunday at 12:30 p.m. will be the Whiskaroo Contest, a search for the best beards and mustaches.

On the Net:

http://www.conejovalleydays.org.