Hollywood Park residents are looking forward to two community events scheduled for Jan. 8.

The city will hold a candidate and volunteer forum at 10 a.m. at the Voigt Center, 701 El Portal. Mayor Oscar Villarreal and City Secretary Patrick Aten will be hosting the forum. Jeff Wentworth, Bexar County Precinct 3 justice of the peace and a former state senator, is scheduled as a guest speaker.

Local officials said the forum will be a way for residents to learn how to get involved with city affairs, including volunteering for various city boards, commissions and committees.

The forum will also provide information for eligible residents interested in running for a City Council position.

The May 1 elections this year will include Hollywood Park mayor and council Place 2 and Place 4.

Those seats are held by Oscar Villarreal, Debra Trueman and Delaine Hall, respectively.

Hollywood Park residents may contact Patrick Aten at 210-494-2023, ext. 221, or [email protected] for details.

Additionally, the Hollywood Park Community Association will host its fifth annual chili cook-off at Memorial Park, at the corner of Sunway and El Mecca drives.

The event includes a pie contest and a “people’s choice” tasting, according to organizers.

Registered cook-off teams will cook between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., and pies will be submitted for judging at 11 a.m.

Lunch will be served while supplies last beginning at 11 a.m. The people’s choice tasting starts at 1 p.m.

There also will be a washer tournament, kicking off at 1:30 p.m., and an awards prevention at 3 p.m. Prizes will be awarded in categories such as Best Chili Winner, People’s Choice, Best Beans, Showmanship Winner and Best Pie.

The event will feature other family-friendly activities. Admission to enjoy the submitted dishes and activities is free.