The Annual Mac and Cheese Fest, hosted by the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra, is returning for its 10th year. Local restaurants are invited to bring their best mac and cheese creations.

The event will take place from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. on February 13 at the Doubletree Hotel in Binghamton.

Guests can sample different mac and cheese creations from 20 local restaurants and vote for their favorites.

Some of the restaurants include Mooney's, Kampai, Legacy Lounge, Sweet Tay's, and several other beloved restaurants in the community.

Alexander's Cafe, a business that has competed for the last 10 years, says they will be looking to switch it up from years past.

Alexander's Cafe Owner Alexander Nichols says, "This year I think we got to mix up the pasta a little bit. I feel like, you know, the pasta determines what mac and cheese you like to do and it has to be the right one. So I think this year we're going to mix it up and we're going to come in with something unique and something different that is just going to kind of blow everybody's head off."

This year's panel of celebrity judges includes leaders from the local arts community, including the Philharmonic Orchestra, the Phelps mansion, the Roberson museum, and others.

The event allows people to get out and interact with local restaurants and all proceeds benefit the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra.

"The environment always, you know, it's like a buffalo bills game. You know, the environment. Everybody loves it. They come out and they have a great time. There are a lot of people and a lot of the restaurants bring their whole team with them, so it's very competitive. You got 12 to 15 different restaurants that come down with different ideas and it just brings everybody together to have a good time," said Nichols.

You can purchase your ticket by calling the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra or visiting bingmacfest.com.