Leipers Fork Chili Cook-Off

Heating Up First Place with $1000

October 18, 2008

The Leipers Fork Community Association moves swiftly forward as it plans several noteworthy additions to the Seventh Annual Chili Cook-Off on October 18th.  President Mary Murphy is fanning the flames as this year’s event grows into a chili festival.

Murphy says, “After last year’s great success, we felt it was time to implement some new ideas and improvements. While we’ll remain limited to about 30 contestants, we will include a vendors’ section to create a truly festive event.”

Also on the list to increase excitement, the stakes have been raised to better match the cooking contestants’ passion, hard work and meticulous planning. One thousand dollars will be awarded to the first place winner of the Strictly Scratch contest, the blind judged competition. The first place winner of the People’s Choice contest—determined by popular vote—will walk away with $250. All award levels, in fact, benefit from significant increases.

Hopeful competitors, sponsors and vendors are encouraged to apply by downloading applications at leipersforkvillage.com. The rules, details of the awards and sponsorship information are all available on the Web site. Forms and payments may be dropped off at Sérénité Maison in Leiper’s Fork or mailed to the LFCA, c/o Julee Jones at 4220 Old Hillsboro Road, Franklin, Tennessee 37064.

For the chili and salsa cooks, the time has begun to register, and slots are filling rapidly. Booth location reservations are on a first come, first served basis. The association will assist any cook by finding businesses or individuals who will sponsor a contestant by helping with expenses.

“It’s going to be another day packed with more than ever,” Murphy adds, referring to a fun-and- entertainment timeline in the historic village that begins at noon and ends at 5 p.m. and includes the live music of Tommy Crain & The Crosstown Allstars and The Boomers.

FranklinIs.com had the special opportunity to speak with Tommy Crain about the event.  Crain spent more than 20 years working with the Charlie Daniels Band. He wrote songs and performed on over 20 CDB albums, winning a grammy for "The Devil Went Down To Georgia."  Crain said,

"Everyone come out (for the Chili Cook-Off), we are gonna have a good time."

In addition to being a well known, modern day music legend with his rare skill and guitar talent, Crain has played with numerous famous musicians.  Don't miss seeing him perform on Saturday 18, 2008.  Currently, Crain plays with the Crosstown Allstars and performs a mixture of heart-felt blues, southern rock, classic R&B and jazz.

“People who plan to come for the entire day,” Murphy emphasizes, “won’t be disappointed.”

For further information, call 615.715.1995 or go to leipersforkvillage.com. The event is sponsored by Hills & Hamlets, Wiley Bros.-Aintree Capital and Waste Tech Services, Inc. to benefit the Leipers Fork Community Association, a non-profit organization.

The mission of the Leipers Fork Community Association is to promote, sustain and develop commerce within the village and its closely surrounding area while upholding and preserving the integrity of its historical, rural and small town characteristics.