Tasting "hot and mild" at 12th annual Cherokee Co. Chamber Chili Cook Off

There's still time to enter your "prize-winning" chili in the Cherokee County Chamber's 12th Annual Chili Cook Off planned for Saturday, Oct. 13, in Konehete Park. Tasting begins at noon and continues until all the chili is gone.

More than 20 entries were in last year's event. Judges for the 2007 event are three premiere chefs and restaurant owners in Cherokee County.

Open to all business organizations, chamber member or not, and as always, this year's event promises to be exciting to the taste buds. DJ Chad Johnson will provide music entertainment.

Last year's People's Choice winner was the Murphy Public Library. The library staff is challenging businesses to come out and try and knock them out of the winner's circle. This is the category where contestants can actually "buy" votes.

Other trophies awarded by judges are first, second and third places. One trophy is awarded for showmanship and only one in the restaurant category. The judging panel will be comprised of three chamber board directors.

C.C. Chili will be on hand, to present the trophies.

For the chili tasting, the chamber will sell an empty bowl, spoon, napkin and beverage for $6; children under 6, $3. When the ballot for the Peopleís Choice award is turned in, each person will be rewarded a bar of ice cream.

Held rain or shine, the event in the park offers friendly competition on a fall day in the Western North Carolina mountains. For more information, call the chamber, 828-837-2242.