Avon Lake’s grand old dame, the historic Thomas Folger home, has seen its fair share of renovations in the past decade. Supporters of the big yellow house that sits near the shores of Avon Lake are hoping to continue those renovations, in part with the proceeds of its annual Chili Cook Off, held Saturday, Nov. 12.

The home’s patrons have made significant strides. Workers have been knocking off items on a lengthy wish list that ranges from $2,700 for decking to outside porch lights at $25 each for the house located in Veterans Park.

There are still plenty of items on the list, including interior lights, a toilet paper holder and an ADA bathroom light and chili organizers are hoping that proceeds from the chili cook-off will help. The event is sponsored by the Avon Lake Landmark Preservation Society (ALLPS), which oversees the home’s maintenance and care.

On a recent tour of the Folger Home, completed renovations, including the Henry Ford Room that is available for rental, are evident. So are the areas still under renovation, include rooms with bay windows that overlook Lake Erie, the building’s west porch, hallways and stairways. Work is continuous however, and trustees see a light at the end of the tunnel.

“We’re getting close,” Pat Fellure, and ALLPS trustee said of the work that started earlier this year.

Fellure said proceeds from the cook-off will help with those projects as well as future work and maintenance. The popular cook-off, which has grown each year, promises something new for this year’s attendees

“We have Coleone’s joining us this year,” Fellure. “And we have great raffle prizes.”

Ten local eateries will be donating chili for the Nov. 12 event that allows attendees to sample and vote on chili and win one of 16 prizes from gift cards to restaurants to a pool pass, donated by the city of Avon Lake. The event runs from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the Folger House in Veterans Park.

Competing restaurants are Athena’s, Casita Del Lago, Coleone’s, Fratello’s, Jake’s On Lake, Las Cazuelas, Rio Café, Stella’s and Wendy’s of Great Northern.

Ticket info

Tickets for the event are $8 adult and $4 for children 4-10 presale and $10 for adults/$5 children at the door. Fellure said sales have been brisk this year.

“We’ve already sold a bunch of presale tickets,” she said.

To order pre-sale tickets, call 440-933-6409 or email ptrc_fllr@centurytel.net. Fellure said guests can “hold” a pre-sale ticket and pay for the ticket at the door.