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Banner Elk Winery to Host Second Annual Chili Cook-Off for Avery Humane Society Jan. 28

By Jessica Isaacs

High Country chili lovers: it’s almost time to take your appetite to Avery Country to help a great cause!

Our friends at the Avery County Humane Society are cooking up another good time for its second annual Chili Cook-Off, a fundraiser that brings people together for fellowship and a fun way to support the shelter’s mission.

One of last year’s first place winners, Pet Prairie Dog Retreat

This year, the event will take place on Saturday, Jan. 28 at Banner Elk Winery and will feature recipes made by professional and amateur chefs from across the High Country. Each ticket will include one beverage, a chance to sample every chili on the menu and one ballot, so you can cast a vote for your favorite.

Local restaurants and businesses serving up chili will include The Beech Alpen Inn, Sorrento’s Italian Bistro, Stonewall’s, Pet Prairie Dog Retreat, Banner Elk Winery, Banner Elk Café, Hickerman’s Country Kitchen and Fred and Larry’s Coffee House

“People like to eat, people like to support the humane society and people like to compete–not necessarily in that order,” said Erika Siegel, chair of the humane society’s board of directors and owner of My Best Friend’s Barkery in Banner Elk. “It’s just really fun to do something that benefits the humane society, and for people who enter the competition, they get to feel like they’re participating in it.”

Stop by for lunch and to cast your vote between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Jan. 28. Tickets are on sale at $10 for adults and $5 for children. A winner will be announced at 3 p.m. that afternoon.

Last year’s inaugural chili cook-off saw a first place tie between Banner Elk Winery and Pet Prairie Dog Retreat, with Dunn’s Deli right behind in second place. Who will win this year? Don’t miss your chance to find out!

You still have time to sign up if you want to enter your own recipe! Just contact Siegel at My Best Friend’s Barkery, 828-898-5625.

Banner Elk Winery is located at 60 Deer Run Road in Banner Elk.

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