Now in it’s 11^th year, the Taste of  Chili will return to the Folger Home and Lake House on Saturday, Nov. 10. Tickets for the event, one of two major fundraisers that support the Folger House, are on sale now.

“This and the Folger Flea (rummage sale) are our two biggest fundraisers,” Pat Fellure, one of the event’s organizers, said.  “So many people come to expect it and look forward to it. It brings a lot of the community in on it.”

The Taste of Chili will feature nine Avon Lake establishment vying for the title of “best chili.” This year, Rio Café, Fratello's, Jake's on Lake, Las Cazuelas, Athena's, Wendy's, Stella's and new this year, Lenny’s Deli and Novotny Catering, will serve their chili.

“Lenny’s Deli has a new owner,” Fellure said. “And Novotny Catering, who always lends chafing said,  ‘You know, I make a pretty good chili.’”

Fellure credited the community as well as numerous local vendors for continued support.

“Restaurants, florists and businesses, they’ve always been very generous,” Fellure said.

The same as last year, vendors will set up and serve Chili in the Lake House in Veterans Park. Patrons can then walk across Veterans Park to the Folger Home for coffee and dessert. “They can see the progress going on at the (Folger) house.”

The building has a long and storied past in Avon Lake and has undergone significant restoration since the Avon Lake Landmark Preservation Society began managing it. To date the home has been re-roofed, re-painted and the Henry Ford Room has been renovated for use by community organizations and families for special occasions. Work continues with a revised long range plan anticipated in the near future, including finishing the current work on the west porch.

Guests at the event will be allowed to sign up for sponsorship, which starts at $20.

“People say ‘you’re doing a great job,’ but we can’t do it  without financial support,” Fellure said.

Businesses step up to help

Many local businesses, several outside of Avon Lake, have donated to the event including

Dairy Queen (ice cream cake),  Pizza Hut (bread sticks), Ridge Cleaners, Classic Image (makeover),  Coleone's, 
Jan Jewelers (necklace), Casita del Lago, Grilled
,Buffalo Wild Wings, Petitti, 
Secret Garden, Diederich Florist, Puskas Florists, Sissons Florist, 
Off Broadway Florist, Life in Bloom Florist, Hen & Ivy Florist and  Bonaminio's Florist, Zelek Florist, City of Avon Lake ($125 family pool pass) and Deena LaVigne (Reiki).

Also donating are Mr. Hero, Walmart, Subway
, CVS Pharmacy, Giant Eagle, Buffalo Wild Wings, Novotny Catering, Custom Engraving and Convenient on Lear

Ticket info

The event runs on Nov. 10 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Pre-sale tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for children (4-10 years old). Tickets are $10 for adults at the door and $5 for children. For tickets, contact Fellure at 440-933-6409

Send check payable to
ALLPS/Chili Cook-off to
Pat Fellure
,32617 Belle Road, 
Avon Lake, OH 44012.