Avalon Glassworks has been chosen as the maker of this year's Washington State Chili Cookoff commemorative glass chili. The event is this weekend, on June 29 at North Beach (near Pacific Beach WA) . The glass chili is a limited edition, numbered first in a series. It will come in a box with the International Chili Society logo.

The one-day event will feature great food, prizes and more. Venue for this state chili cookoff is sanctioned by the International Chili Society is the Pacific Beach Elementary School.

“Weʼre really excited for this yearʼs event,” said Cynthia Stearns, event organizer. “We are excited to have the Washington State Championship sanctioned by the International Chili Society, which is one of the larger food festival organizations in the world head to the North Beach. Cookoffs just like this one have enabled the ICS to raise over a million dollars annually for charity.”

In addition to the cookoff, there will be a vendor’s hall. They include Ila’s Foods (Hoodsport), Bernesa’s Beads & More (Pacific Beach), Amy’s Decadent Chocolates (Bremerton) and Wooden Clothespin (West Seattle).

The 2013 Cookoff will benefit Arthritis Foundation for all of Washington state. In addition, it will also contribute to Meals on Wheels of Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties, Copalis Beach Copalis Community Church Summer Lunch program and the Pacific Beach Elementary Emergency Clothing Fund.

Cookoff attendees can purchase a tasting kit for five dollars. The kit will allow the tasting of several world-class chilis (traditional Texas red and green chili verde). Salsas will be on display as well.

The ICS sanctioned contest includes three chili categories: Chili verde (green), salsa, and traditional red. In addition, there is a People’s Choice. In 2014, Washington State Chili Cookoff will add the Homestyle category.

Founded in 1967, the International Chili Society is an organization that sanctions nearly 200 chili cookoffs each year that are governed by ICS rules and regulations and a blind judging process. These events are worldwide and benefit charities or non-profit organizations. Local winners of ICS sanctioned cookoffs qualify to compete for cash prizes and awards throughout the year.

Top-level winners compete for a total prize package of $55,000 at the Worldʼs Championship Chili Cookoff held each year in October. One million spectators a year participate in ICS events by cooking, tasting, judging, and having a good time.

DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS FROM SEATTLE:

From Seattle:

1. Head South on I-5 to Olympia: Take Exit 104; Follow Highway 8 to Aberdeen and Ocean Beaches.
2. Follow signs through Aberdeen and Hoquiam to Highway 101 North
3. Go past turn marked "Highway 109 Ocean Shores - Ocean Beaches" just after the second bridge in Aberdeen/Hoquiam.
4. Drive North on Highway 101 approximately 3 and 1/2 miles to a left turn lane and a sign for Pacific Beach / Moclips / Taholah and Ocean Beaches.
5. Turn left. Look for Ocean Beach Road. Drive 20 miles until you come to a 4-way stop. This is the corner of Ocean Beach Road and SR 109.
6.Head west and the road becomes Main Street of Pacific Beach.
7. Pacific Beach Elementary is at 11 4th Street (corner of 4th and Main Streets).

For more information, please contact: Cynthia Stearns, 360.589.7751.