You asked: What will it take to revive the DFA chili cook-off?

FRANKLIN—Downtown Franklin Association for three years sponsored a chili cook-off, but with only one participant last year, the early November event was sidelined.

The same problem threatens the event this year, said DFA Executive Director Dan Howe.

“If you don’t have cookers, there’s nothing for people to come to,” Howe said. “That’s the biggest problem.”

The event at Barrett’s Landing reached its peak in 2009 when 12 to 13 cooks participated.

Event Chairwoman Mable Parker, owner of Mable’s Barber Shop, contacted previous participants and only received confirmation from one or two.

“I’m still working on it,” Parker said. “I’ve got one, possibly two, so we’ll see.”

Some have plans, while others were concerned about the $50 entry fee plus the cost of ingredients.

“We can’t go down on the entry fee because that’s the prize money,” she said.

Howe and Parker say it would take at least six participants to hold the event.

Parker noted that in the past teams from International Paper participated.

“We had a very successful event when we still had people working at the mill,” Parker said. “We’re still missing teams from there.”

Howe said the organization has been kicking around other ideas for an event next year to take the replace of the chili cook-off. They include a wine tasting and a Christmas dance.