The Ely Community Center and Ely Folk School are bringing back the Golden Ladle Soup Contest on Tuesday, Oct. 27, with local restaurants once again competing for the title of Best Soup in Ely.
Guests will taste entries from participating restaurants, enjoy bread, dessert, and cast one vote for their favorite soup. The restaurant receiving the most votes will take home the Golden Ladle Trophy and the title of Best Soup in Ely 2026.
This year, the event will feature two seatings to make the evening more comfortable for guests and participating restaurants.
5 p.m. reserved seating Reservations open Oct. 2 through the Ely Folk School’s website.
6:30 p.m. open seating No reservation is required.
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6–12, free for children under five, with a $20 family maximum.
Admission includes one sample from each participating restaurant, bread from Brainstorm, brownies prepared by Ely Community Resource, beverages and one voting token.
Local potters will also return to the event with handmade bowls available for purchase. Guests who purchase a pottery bowl at the event will receive free admission to the Golden Ladle.
The event will be held at the Ely Community Center, 27 First Avenue East, Ely.
Voting will close at 7:30 p.m., with the 2026 Golden Ladle winner announced by 8 p.m.
Participating restaurants will be announced in October.
For updates, follow the Ely Community Center or the Ely Folks School on Facebook or contact elycommunitycenter@ gmail.com.
