Ten teams have entered the Chili Cook-Off that will mark the start of the Town of Vass Centennial Celebration.

The competition will be held on Saturday, March 10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sandy Ramey Keith Park on U.S. 1 in Vass.

Teams from the Vass Lions Club, the Vass Rescue Squad, the Heritage Church of God, the Vass Woman's Club, the Circle V Fire Department, Vass American Legion Post 296, the Town of Vass Board of Commissioners, Boy Scout Troop 810, Harmer's Auction and Antique Mall and the Open Arms Community Church will compete for two $250 prizes.

One prize, The Judges Award, will be determined by a blind taste test by a panel of judges consisting of local dignitaries and the other, the People's Choice Award, by a vote of those in attendance at the event.

The cook-off, sponsored by First Bank, Piggly Wiggly, and Progress Energy, will feature refreshments sold at 1907 prices as well as samples of chili from each team. There will be demonstrations as well as entertainment and games for children.

Admission is free.

The Vass area was originally known as Bynum after one of its first settlers, Joseph Bynum. In 1881, a post office was established, and the community was called Winder.

In 1892, the name was changed to Vass in honor of Major William Worral Vass. The town was incorporated on March 8, 1907, with Alex Gunther as the first mayor.