The dog days of summer are over and plans are underway for the 9th Annual Mountain Harvest Festival and Chili Cook-Off from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 30, at the Christian W. Klay Winery in Chalk Hill, Pa.

A $5 donation at the gate benefits the WVU College of Creative Arts, the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown, Pa. and Uniontown Hospital.

The event, held in partnership with the Community Foundation of Fayette County, includes an array of activities, including live entertainment from the College of Creative Arts.

In addition, plans include the chili tasting and competition, a hot pepper eating contest, complimentary wine tasting, a cookie sale, grape stomping, a wine and cheese pairing seminar and kidsactivities.

If you think you have the best chili recipe, join the competition,said Sharon Klay, owner of the Christian W. Klay Winery.Whether it is Texas chili or freestyle, we look forward to your entry. Come, participate and have a lot of fun. A portion of the proceeds benefits some of the areas most worthwhile organizations.

The competition is introducing a new student category this year. Culinary students who are interested in showcasing their talents can enter in theBattle of the Panscompetition.

DJ Fred Adams will be the master of ceremonies for the event, and the following vendors are expected to attend: Barbara Bailey, clay artist, Handbilt Pottery; Treasures in Glass; Works of Wood; BeautiControl; and Andersons Jewelry Emporium.

Also participating in this years Cook-Off is the Laurel Mountain Ladies League, a non-profit organization whose members plan and organize events for the community.

Members of the organization will work at the entrance gate and hold a cookie sale to benefit Fayette County children.

They will also be conducting a shoe drive at the event. Anyone attending the Cook-Off who brings a pair of new or slightly used shoes will be eligible to win a gift basket valued at $250.

Celebrating ten years, the Christian W. Klay collection offers wines that convey the history of the Laurel Highlands, the taste of Pennsylvania and the nature of Fayette Springs Farms.

One of Pennsylvania’s premiere wineries, it is located in Chalk Hill just off the historic National Road.

For more information, contact the winery directly at 724-439-3424 or visit the Web site athttp://www.cwklaywinery.com