UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - In just about a month's time, the smell of riggies will be in the air!

Wednesday, as the kickoff event for this year's 6th annual RiggieFest, founder Dave Gibson picked the names of those who will be taking part in the Home Cooking Competition.

Gibson says each year, things seem to get bigger and better, "I'm ecstatic at the way RiggieFest has grown every year. We do continue to make it better each year. We have a change in the judging: 1st, 2nd and 3rd (place) will be chosen by a panel of judges. People can still vote for a crowd favorite but more sponsors, more food. Bringing in new foods to the RiggieFest to Central new York also helps us expand the event."

Last year's RiggieFest raised $40,000. All of that money will go to the YWCA's programs that help battered and abused women as well as racial justice programs. Gibson says the programs help make an impact in the community.

The names of this year's Home Cooking Competition were selected at random. They are:

Scott Phillips - Webster
Carolynn Cross - Whitesboro
Michele Reid - Rome
Tammy Rieben - Oriskany
Joelle Smith - Frankfort
Brian Coupe - New Hartford
Geoff McMullen - Utica
Francesca Marchio - Utica
Bill Vinci - Rome
Richard Grande - Utica
Charles Pavia - Utica
Aaron LaBella - Alder Creek