Franklin Beer Board approves special-event permit for firefighters' chili cook-off at Bicentennial Park

The City of Franklin Beer Board on Oct. 14 unanimously approved a special-event permit for the Franklin Firefighters Association to hold a chili cook-off at Bicentennial Park Pavilion on Oct. 24, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Staff told the board that the application and required inspections were complete and recommended approval. “This is at Bicentennial Park with the standard delineation and signage that we've talked about with other events at this park, and so staff is recommending approval,” a staff member said.

Chief Lehi Johnson described the event as a community competition involving local civic groups and restaurants. “We have, I think, 6 civic organizations that will be participating against one another. And I think we either have 5 or 6 restaurants, local restaurants that's gonna be down there competing as well,” Chief Johnson said, inviting residents to attend. The event will take place during Pumpkin Fest, and staff confirmed the chili cook-off was scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., after Pumpkin Fest’s 10 a.m. start.

Board members asked only a question about signage and crowd flow; staff confirmed the department had coordinated required signage to prevent attendees from wandering into restricted areas. The board moved to approve the permit; Alderman Barnhill and Alderman Caesar voted yes and the chair voted yes, carrying the motion.

The permit approval is limited to the special event described in the application and includes the park-specific delineation and signage plans staff said were reviewed during inspection. No citizen comments were offered during the meeting. The event is scheduled for Oct. 24 at Bicentennial Park Pavilion, 405th Avenue North, Franklin, Tenn. 37064.