courtesy of TSCA
A local tradition at the Dog & Pony Show festival, the annual Chili Cook-off is a fundraiser event for the Thompson’s Station Community Association, a charitable organization that funds park projects. Sponsored this year by The Williamson Source, the contest takes place during the festival on September 27 in the Thompson’s Station Park pavilion and is open to both professional and amateur/home cooks for a $25 entry fee. There are a limited number of spaces, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are available online at theTSCA.org or at Town Hall.
The Chili Cook-off features two categories: “Red Chili” and “Anything Goes.” According to the official contest rules and regulations, “Red Chili” is defined as “any kind of meat or combination of meats cooked with chili peppers, various spices and other ingredients.” “Anything Goes” opens the door to alternative chili recipes and ingredients. Contestants may enter more than one batch of chili. Each chili entry must be six (6) quarts at minimum—though eight (8) quarts is recommended.
Williamson Source General Manager Clark Shelton is chairing the chili cook-off. “We welcome returning contestants and newcomers alike to this year’s event,” Shelton said. “Start perfecting those recipes and get ready for some heated but friendly competition!” Corner Pub Franklin and Savory Spice Shop have already entered their teams into the fray. It will be the first time both will compete.
Shelton noted that the increased quantity requirement (6-8 quarts) is due to a change in the way that the Public Tasting will be conducted: this year, everyone who takes part in the Public Tasting will receive a sample of each chili, rather than selecting only five to sample.
But just because all contestants are guaranteed equal foot traffic doesn’t mean they should market any less intensely for votes, Shelton said. “You may have tasters coming to your table, but you still have to win their vote,” he said. “For some folks, a fun, creative, original delivery or presentation is just as important as what’s in the bowl.”
Both a Judge’s Winner and a People’s Choice winner will be awarded. For more information about the chili cook-off, visit theTSCA.org or email [email protected].
The Dog & Pony Show is set for Saturday, September 27th in Thompson’s Station Park, located at 1513 Thompson’s Station Road West. Admission is free. Proceeds from the event benefit the Thompson’s Station Community Association (TSCA), a charitable organization that funds park projects. Opportunities are still available for sponsors, vendors and volunteers. To learn more or get involved, please call Town Hall at (615) 794-4333, visit Thompsons-Station.com or email [email protected].