There are two things to know about the annual Bothell Chilifest – come prepared to donate to Hopelink and bring an appetite.

Both issues had maximum resolution during the event’s eighth annual installment on Oct. 9. But the only apprehension many first-time attendees have is the location of the event, which is presented by the Greater Bothell Chamber of Commerce.

“I have had offers to hold it in another venue,” organizer Dale Amundsen said. “But it just wouldn’t be the same if it wasn’t in a funeral home.”

Yes, he said funeral home. Amundsen, who can just as well marry people as bury them, has hosted the event at Evergreen Washelli in downtown Bothell each year.

Chilifest brought in 160 attendees, raising $464 and 106 pounds of food for the nonprofit Hopelink.

“This will feed so many families and it is already on the shelves this week to help those in our community,” said Hopelink spokesperson Jennifer Dreyfuss in an email. “I can’t thank you enough. You were all so kind and welcoming – it was a great evening filled with good food!”

The event was also a success for the tastebuds, as the competition was hot, sweet and savory. Ingredients were as varied as pineapple, goat cheese and pumpkin, to pounded steak and mmmm … bacon.

Amundsen brought in 13 businesses from the Northshore area to compete in the cook-off.

In a rare occurrence, the judges choice and people’s choice awards both went to “Ghostly Chili” by Kenmore Self Storage.

The Green Bean award for best non-meat chili went to “Triple H” by Andrew Boll of Keller Williams. “The Meat Chamber” by Hollyhills Owners Associates Clubhouse took home the Mr. Meaty award for best meat-based chili. The Burnt Spoon award for best hot chili went to “Jerk it Up” by The Steel Pan Caribbean Restaurant. Sweet Buffet Lady with “Pumpkin Caramel Chili” won for best marketing. The Bothell/Kenmore Reporter with “12th Woman Tailgate Chili” won for best theme.

At least one of the judges knew what she was doing in picking a winner – as she is a real judge. Bothell Municipal Court Judge Michelle Gehlsen joined  radio personality Tim Hunter, formerly of KLSY’s radio team of the Murdock, Hunter and Alice, along with Christina Parish, who manages Kenmore Self Storage in picking a winner.

“[Parish] has been an every-year contestant in Chilifest and a not-infrequent winner with her concoction ‘Witches’ Brew,’” said Amundsen. “This year she opted to let someone else in the organization have a shot so I extended an invitation for her to judge … She has been one of our most enthusiastic ‘evangelists’ for the Chilifest cause.”

The other categories were selected by the participants.

For many of the cooks the event has become an annual staple for their fall list of events, like Wendy Amundsen and Kristina Deffries of Sweet Buffet Lady.

“It has gotten busier and more crowded every year,” said Wendy Amundsen, who has participated in five iterations of the event. “Every year I try them all and it is very competitive.”

For some, the event is a new process.

“I have attended as a taster before but this is the first time as a chef,” said Erik Ludeks of Chase Bank, who entered his “Chase Chili Con Carne.” “It is a great way to raise money.”