MONMOUTH — Local businesses and organizations are pulling together to fight cabin fever for the inaugural Monmouth Chili Chowder Challenge to be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at Helen Melledy Hall, 755 Main St.

The event will feature awards for Best Chili, Best Chowder and Kicking Cornbread. Suggested donation to taste the culinary delights is $5 per person, $20 for families up to six people.

Proceeds will support the Families Helping Families Fuel Assistance program started by Nancy Ludewig and Darlene Sanborn to help Monmouth families not only during difficult winter months but throughout the entire year.

Those who want to compete for bragging rights should contact the Cumston Public Library at 207-933-4788 to register. There is no fee to enter. Registration must be received no later than Jan. 20. The winner in each category gets bragging rights for a year publicized on the Monmouth Main Street Facebook page.

The Monmouth Chili Chowder Challenge will include family recipes from businesses, community organizations and individuals including the Monmouth Museum, the Cumston Public Library, Theater at Monmouth, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, the Monmouth Fire Department, the Monmouth Police Department, Norton/Davis Insurance and many others.

For more information, call the Cumston Public Library at 207-933-4788, drop by during regular library hours or visit the Monmouth Fuel Assistance Families Helping Families Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/121579407961549.

This event is one of several planned to help engage the community in events, activities and opportunities and is supported by the Community Partners Monmouth which includes Friends of the Cumston Library, the Monmouth Museum, Theater at Monmouth, the United Church of Monmouth and many other civic-minded individuals and organizations.