NEWPORT-Those attending Saturday's second annual Chili Cook-off will have the opportunity to taste 16 different dishes prepared by some of Cocke County's best cooks.

According to Steve Tweed, who chairs the event, dishes will be prepared by the Cocke County Senior Center, Baptist Hospital of Cocke County, the Tail Waggers of Creature Comforts, Carson Springs Conference Center, the Logo Gringos of Leadership Cocke County Class of 2006, Hot Mamas (Kandee Veridal), Smoky Mountain Home Health & Hospice, Steve Brown, Wright's Swimming Pool & Spa, Rocky Top Home Services, two entries from Kermit's Favorite, Michael Burnett, the Newport Plain Talk Paper Pushers, JP Country (Patsy Blake), and the Del Rio Bandito (Norman Stringfield).

Steve Brown and Hurricane Ridge will be the featured musicians at this year's event, which will be held at Newport City Park from 1-4.

"The winner of this year's cook-off will be a special guest on Chef Walter's television show later," said Tweed.  Chef Walter Lambert of Knoxville will be one of the judges.

The cook-off began last year as a project of the 2008 Leadership Cocke County class as a fundraiser for their newly-established scholarship.

The scholarship provides funds for "non-traditional" students, such as those returning to college or vocational schools after having been out of school for some time. "This year we were pleased to award two $1,000 scholarships," said Tweed.

"With the forecast for beautiful weather this weekend," Tweed continued, "we look forward to having a wonderful afternoon of good food and music."