harm.less

Chili cook-offs are an American tradition, right up there with apple pie and red Solo cups.  Chefs get serious about their chili concoctions, engaging in battle royales to prove their beans are better. Vegans, however, are often out of luck at the average cook-off, what with ground beef and shredded cheese invading every bowl.

This weekend, however, vegan chili lovers have a lot to celebrate. The Great American Vegan Chili Cook Off is happening this Saturday, March 21, in Asheville, North Carolina.

The event is in honor of The Great American Meatout, a national call to go meatless for a day, and it’s hosted by Full Circle Farm Sanctuary.

Attendees to the vegan chili cook-off will get to taste different chilis and fixins’, plus vegan hot dogs, drinks, sides and ice creams and desserts. Local businesses are donating food, including Ultimate Ice Cream, French Broad Chocolates, Annie’s Bakery, City Bakery, The Hop Ice Cream Cafe.

There’ll also be a silent auction and a short film announcing a major campaign launch for the sanctuary, which provides homes for farmed animals and advocates for veganism.

Winners of the vegan chili cook off will be eligible for prizes donated by local businesses.

The event takes place at Whole Foods Market Asheville’s Upstairs Tap Haus, 4 South Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC, from 2 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 at the door the day of the event. Children 12 and under are $10. RSVP (requested but not required) on Facebook.