Hundreds of Casper residents warmed themselves to the smell of chili as they walked across the cold parking lot of the Events Center late Saturday morning.

The little blue tickets in their hands ensured safe passage into chili-lovers' heaven.

The Casper Events Center hosted the 16th Annual American Petroleum Institute Chili Cookoff, which raises money for charities like the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Habitat for Humanity. This year, the cookoff was themed "A Pirate's Life."

By mid-morning, people seemed to be swept into the buccaneer ball, as they tasted chili and collected gold coins, candy, pirate-esque head gear and light-up sword toys.

Signs inside booths proclaimed "Drop your anchor at Miswaco" and "Arr Scalliwags, vote for XL Hardbanding and Fabrication Inc." Real sand was spread around the Greiner Ford booth, along with a "Greiner Gang Plank." Skulls and treasure chests full of candy and drink cozies accompanied little white sample cups and gallons of chili on tabletops.

"Last year, there were hundreds and hundreds of people," said Kathy Osborne, who created the 2005 winning red chili recipe for Trademark Employment Services. "I'm hoping that it'll be as good as it was last year."

Each of the 44 original chilis at the cookoff were prepared on-site. Contestants were required to bring in canned goods, uncooked meats, and fresh vegetables to ensure authenticity. Most contestants began working at 5 a.m.

After all, chili tastes better the longer it stews.

"We've used the same recipe every year since 2005 and we're hoping it'll be another winner," Osborne said, adjusting a sleeve on her wench costume. "I do an original red chili - but I can't give away my secret!"

Jim McKendree of Natco-McKendree Trucking described his chili as "timeless" Dog's Breath chili - a secret recipe passed down from his pirate ancestors, he joked.

"Yaargh, it's really good," McKendree growled. "It's been brewing all day, aargh."

Business owners and employees take the cookoff pretty seriously in an attempt to win the coveted People's Choice award, a $5,000 top prize.

"It's an annual event, and it's a good thing for charity, so my son and I always make the trek out here," said Michael McDill, a Casper resident. "So far, Greiner Ford's red chili is the best and CostPlus has the best green chili, but we're only about halfway through. I've only tasted about 8 chilis."

Unlike some smaller attendees of the event, McDill will be able to get his money's worth. Chili is one of his favorite foods, and he said he's able to eat a lot of it.

"I really like both kinds. Sometimes red chili hits the spot, but green chili on a burrito - you can't beat that," McDill said.

Many cookoff-goers would agree. Yaargh.

Contact reporter Megan Lee at (307) 266-0589 or megan.lee@trib.com