A Wilkes County chili cooloff between six local restaurants has been planned for this Saturday, January 17, at Retro Cinema and Books, and money raised at the event will be donated to the North Alexander School Association's window restoration project.

The public is invited to attend the event which will begin at 1 p.m. at Retro Cinema.

Participating restaurants will include Down Under at the Fitzpatrick Hotel, the Washington Jockey Club, Alfred's on the Square, Talk of the Town, The Sandwich Shop, and La Cabaña Mexican Restaurant.

"Each restaurant has promised to bring an epicurean delight with their closely guarded secret recipe," according to Dana Kibbey of Retro Cinema. Popular vote will determine the Wilkes County Champion for the 2009 cookoff.

"We're very excited to be hosting this first ever competition among our fine downtown restaurants," said Kibbey. "It will be a light-hearted, fun afternoon and for a very good cause. The proceeds will help the Alexander school window project."