By OnMilwaukee Staff Writers   Published Jul 14, 2011 at 11:23 AM

Wauwatosa's North Avenue Alliance, in conjunction with Cranky Al's and Lutheran Home, will host Chili'n on the Avenue, a chili and salsa cook-off on July 23.

Chili'n on the Avenue also includes a neighborhood street party stretching along North Avenue from the 6800 block to the 7100 block.  The event will go from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and be free to attend.  At 8:00 a.m on July 23, people can register on-site for charity run to benefit Ronald McDonald Charities of S.E. Wisconsin.

Attendees are invited to watch competing chefs prepare their chili on-site, starting at 11:00 a.m.. Three different competitions will be held, cooks can compete in CASI chili, open chili and salsa cook-offs. Open registration begins at 9 a.m. on July 23, registration for the cook-off is $25.  Samples of the competing foods are available after judging for $1 per 4-ounce cup.

Three local bands will play throughout the day, with Meaghan Owens kicking off play at 11:30 a.m., Semi-Twang at 1:30 p.m., and Greg Koch with Dylan Koch and Big Stink at 3 p.m.

A number of local restaurants will be showcased and offer other food options at Chili'n on the Avenue.

"We cooked up Chili'n on the Avenue to invite everyone to East Tosa and showcase our neighborhood and businesses," said Meg Miller, event co-chair. Money raised at Chili'n on the Avenue will be used for current and future development on North Avenue in East Tosa.

More information about Chili'n on the Avenue and the associated run is available at easttosa.org