The citizens of Fuquay-Varina experienced a real taste treat on Saturday, Oct. 31 at the 7th annual Downtown Chili Cook-off where more than 450 people tasted chili and voted for their favorite cook. This year, eleven teams vied for the coveted title of Fuquay-Varina’s Best Chili. Originally 13 were slated to compete, but two dropped out due to illness.

The $500 First Place Winner was Avalon Springs sponsored by Homes by Dickerson. Jenn Nowalk, a company representative said that they will donate their first prize winnings to Triangles Spokes an organization that purchases bikes for kid’s in need. Trevor Thompson won second place with his entry and third place went to Joy Medlin with Frightfully Good. Second Place and Third Place winners receive $300 and $150 respectively. The Best Presentation Honor went to Pat Stanley and Porky Pat’s Chili. The Chili Cook-off is organized by the Fuquay-Varina Revitalization Association. Gold sponsors include Senter, Stephenson & Johnson, P.A., H H & H Mini Storage, The Young Group of Fuquay, An Insurance Agency Built on Relationships, andBuilders Mutual Insurance Company,Where Builders Come First, and Silver Sponsor the N.C. Beef Council. The Downtown Chili Cook-off is part of the Day in Downtown.