Lace up your Nikes and get ready to move because timing is everything at the 10th annual Florida State Chili Championship Cook-off Chiliblast '98, Saturday, Nov. 14, at Lake Lily in Maitland (841-4576).

Although the event is from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., the experienced know to be there by 12:30 p.m. -- and not one minute later. That's when the approximately 75 chili teams get the green light to dish out gallons of their creations, one taste at a time. With attendance of approximately 5,000 guests and free admission, this stuff goes fast.

If you miss the hurly-burly at high noon, a $5 wristband buys unlimited helpings of the house chili -- 400 gallons, freshly prepared by the chefs of Universal Studios Escape. Proceeds benefit United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida's Early Intervention and Pediatric Therapy Centers.