The 10th annual Franklin Tomorrow Chili Cook-off, presented by Darrell Waltrip Automotive Group, will be Saturday, Oct. 27, as part of the Heritage Foundation’s annual Pumpkinfest celebration.
The Chili Cook-off will feature 12 teams competing for bragging rights in the categories of Judges’ Choice, People’s Choice, and Best Booth Décor in a new area — Third Avenue South between Franklin City Hall and the Historic Courthouse.
Hugh and Janet Tharpe are serving as co-chairs of the event, which will be held from 11 a.m.-3p.m. Hot dogs, chips and drinks are also available inside the event for children and others.
“The Darrell Waltrip Automotive Group is proud to be a presenting partner of the 10th Annual Franklin Tomorrow Chili Cook-off. We can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday than eating chili at Pumpkinfest in beautiful downtown Franklin,” said John Gallagher, Executive General Manager, The Darrell Waltrip Automotive Group.
As part of the event, Darrell Waltrip Automotive will launch the new 2013 Honda Accord and will have it on display at the Cook-off.
In 2011, more than 1,200 people were served trays featuring the two-ounce chili samples of each team. This year, 12 teams are competing, with both returning champions and newcomers to the feisty competition, although the field is wide open since 2011 champion Boxwood Bistro is not competing.
Teams firing up their chili pots are Merridee’s Breadbasket, New York Bagel Café & Deli, Bob Parks Realty/Burger Up!, Clark Shelton for McCreary’s/MedKinetics, Next Generation of the Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County, Zolo’s Italian Restaurant, Culver’s of Franklin, Franklin Firefighters Local 3758, Franklin City Club, The Daily Dish, Kimbro’s, and YOUR Williamson magazine.
Providing Platinum support for the event are Bob Parks Realty and First Tennessee, while Gold sponsors include Bell Historic Franklin apartment community and Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corp. Additionally, Atmos Energy and First Farmers Bank.
Bronze sponsors County Mayor Rogers Anderson; state Sen. Jack Johnson; state Rep. Charles Sargent; state Rep. Glen Casada; Kathie Moore, Crye-Leike Realtors; Alday Communications; The Frothy Monkey; Five Points Roofing; FirstState Bank; Brian & Lisa Beathard; 21st Judicial District Attorney Kim Helper; Brentwood Pediatrics; Judy A. Oxford, Attorney at Law; and The TMA Group.
In-kind sponsors include the Williamson Herald; Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon; O’More College of Design; and YOUR Williamson magazine.
Tickets to the event are $8 per person and sharing of trays is allowed. For more information, call 794-0998.