The Manchester Fire & Rescue would like to invite you to participate in its 3rd annual Chili Cook-Off scheduled from 12 to 4 p.m. October 13, 2012 on the downtown square in Manchester, Tennessee. The event is open to any and all individuals or teams that have a desire to make chili and have fun! It is also a good way to promote your cooking skills or business! Last year’s event was a great success as 29 teams competed for one of three trophies and $500 cash prizes awarded. The 2011 cook-off netted over $3,700 for Manchester Fire & Rescue’s Firefighter Association. This year’s proceeds will go to the Children’s Advocacy Center, a non-profit organization that provides a child-focused facility in a safe, neutral location. Since this is a charity event, a donation of $25 per team is required to enter the competition. The rest of the money raised comes from individuals purchasing a spoon for $5. With this spoon, they are allowed to sample all of the competitors’ chili and them vote for the “People’s Choice Award”, one of three awards that will be given out during the event. The other two awards are “Best Overall Chili” which will be judged by a panel of special guests; and the “Best Presentation”, which involves the theme surrounding the individuals’ or teams’ booth and chili presentation, also judged by the panel of judges. So, to win the “People’s Choice Award”, you will need to have a lot of supports willing to try a lot of chili. There will again be customized trophies, donated and designed by Logos, Awards and More, for the winners of each category. Marcrom’s Pharmacy, United Regional Medical Center, First Call of Nashville and a private donation in the memory of the late Assistant Chief Rod Ballard are helping sponsor chili cook-off this year. The event will once again consist of three (3) $500 cash awards, one for each category. So each team needs to have as many supporters come out and purchase a “spoon” so they can vote for the “People’s Choice Award”, and help the Children’s Advocacy Center all at one time!