The Newport Plain Talk

NEWPORT-Cocke County Leadership Class of 2008 members are putting the final touches on plans for their second annual Cocke County Chili Cook-off.

The event, planned for Saturday, Nov. 7, at Newport City Park, is a fundraiser for the group's scholarship fund and will be held from 1-4 p.m.

Steve Brown and Hurricane Ridge will be featured musical guests this year.

"We're very excited to have them perform for us this year," said Steve Tweed, who chairs the cook-off.

"We had such a good time last year," he continued, "and look forward to the same enjoyment this year."

The cook-off brings together many of Cocke County's finest cooks who stir up samplings of their famous chili recipes.

"We'll have both red and white chilies, plus chili with and without beans," said Tweed.

Judges samples the offerings and then pronounce the winners.

"We'll also have the popular People's Choice winner," added Tweed.

Approximately 15 teams are expected to enter the competition.

The cook-off was established by the class last year as their major fundraiser for a scholarship they established.

"Each leadership class is asked to adopt at least one major project to benefit Cocke County," Tweed explained. "After much thought, we decided to establish a scholarship for the non-traditional students."

These students, continued Tweed, include those who don't enter college or vocational training immediately after high school graduation.

"Very often adults, who have been out of high school for some time, decide to return to school to continue their studies in hopes of bettering their job opportunities," he said. "We found that there was a great need for financial assistance for these older students. And, with the economic situation as poor as it is, more and more people are returning to school for additional training in different vocations."

Last year's event was extremely successful, according to Tweed. "With the money we raised at last year's inaugural cook-off, plus funds we raised in other ways, we were able to fund two $1,000 scholarships this year."

Tickets for the event are $10 each and can be purchased from the class members:

Tweed, Linda Heinzelman, Linda Wester, Linda Lewanski, Dori McKinney, Karen Hekel, Lula Ozmun, Carlene Robinson, Kathy Edmonds, Shannon Moore, Roddy Woods, and Duay O'Neil.

For more information about the event, visit LeadershipChiliCookoff.org.

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