International Chili Cookoff

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The International Chili Society World's Championship Chili Cookoff  returns to Charleston's Magic Island Friday through Sunday, but with a twist. After 45 years of banishment from inclusion in chili competitions, the humble bean will make an appearance. Organizers have added a "homestyle" division that does not limit ingredients.

Purists claim red chili may not contain any fillers such as beans, rice or pasta, and consists of meat and seasonings. The International Chili Society Red Chili division retains that description. The two other divisions are Chili Verde and Salsa. All participants in these categories have qualified for world competition by winning an ICS-sanctioned competition earlier this season.

The fun starts at 11 a.m. Friday with the Last Chance Chili Cook-off and Homestyle Chili competition sampling begins. The World Champion Chili Verde and Salsa competitions are Saturday, along with live entertainment and children's activities, the Miss Chili Pepper Contest and a Shoot and Holler competition.

The classic Red Chili World Championship is Sunday. The day's schedule also includes live entertainment, a wing eating contest and Mr. Hot Sauce Contest. Visit www.chilicookoff.com.

Taste of Our Town

Carnegie Hall's Taste of Our Town will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 13 in downtown Lewisburg. About 50 vendors will provide tastes. Guests purchase $1 tokens to exchange for tastes. Cash will not be accepted at vendor booths.

Taste of Our Town is an annual fundraiser for Carnegie Hall, as well as numerous other participating nonprofit organizations.

Purchase tickets the day of the festival from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in packets of $5, $10 and $20, or purchase in advance online in $20 increments at www.carnegiehallwv.org. Call 304-645-7917.

Tamarack autumnal eats

Chef Jamie Henderson has announced some special October Fest additions to the menu month featuring local ingredients, including several West Virginia beers and ales. Visit www.tamarackwv.com.

Other OctoberFest?

@bod: Know of any other local OctoberFest food events? Email them to jul...@wvgazette.com for inclusion in Food Notes.

@brfs:Local foods/local recipes

@bod:Organizers are seeking recipes for inclusion in a cookbook for The Wild Ramp Market, a local food market in Huntington. Each person may submit as many as five from-scratch recipes that embody the whole foods concept and require few, if any, processed items.

Recipes must be submitted by 7 p.m. Friday. Email them to wildrampmar...@gmail.

Reach Julie Robinson at jul...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-1230 with information to be included in Food Notes.