Amherst Lions Club will host a chili taste-testing and a make-your-own ice cream sundae event from 5-7 p.m. March 11 at the Amherst Middle School.

The sixth annual Fire & Ice event seeks to raise funds for local charities and offer a family night out.

At newspaper deadline, about 10 individuals and several restaurants and Lions Clubs have signed up to present their chili recipes.

The public is invited to vote for the People’s Choice chili.

Three judges will be on hand to offer feedback to the entrants and will select the best restaurant and Club chili: David Mielke, Smokehaus owner and principal chef; Matt Ingersoll, Hippo Press food editor, and Dan DeCourcey, Up in Your Grill owner and pitmaster

Winners of the People’s Choice, Best Restaurant and Best Lions Club chili receive bragging rights for one year as the best local chili and their name engraved on a silver bowl.

In addition to chili, there will be corn bread, drinks, and hot dogs who might not care for chili. A vegetarian chili will also be offered. Finally, you’ll get to make your own ice cream sundae.

Amherst’s popular clown, Krickey, will be on site to make balloon sculptures. And groups from the Amherst Middle School music department led by Band Director Kevin Swift will perform. Children may enter a coloring contest with awards given in three age groups.

Free eye screenings are scheduled.

For online purchase of tickets, go to www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/amherstnh where debit, credit cards and PayPal is accepted. Cash is accepted at the door. Amherst Middle School is located at 14 Cross Road.