The annual Summerville Steam Special Chili and Brunswick Stew Cook-Off is coming to the historic Summerville Depot this Saturday, October 24, bringing a day of food, friendly competition, entertainment and railroad history.

The event, sponsored by Summerville Main Street, will take place from 10 AM until 3 PM, with free admission for the public.

Ten amateur cooking teams will compete for cash prizes, trophies and bragging rights, preparing their favorite chili and Brunswick stew recipes. Visitors will have an opportunity to sample the entries and vote for their favorites in the People’s Choice competition.

Tasting wristbands will be available for $5 beginning at 10 AM and continuing until 2 PM, or until sold out. Visitors can also vote for their favorite team theme and spirit, with additional votes in that category available for $1 each.

This year’s competing teams include Alley Cats BBQ, Chill-N-Grill, Up N Smoke’s Haunted House, Old Fashioned Western Chili & Stew, Gaylesville First Baptist Church’s Country Pumpkins, Thank A Farmer, Possum Drool Stew, Pot of Gold, Purple Haze and Quack Attack.

In addition to the cooking competition, the event will feature craft and dessert vendors, music and indoor dining in the Depot Freight Room. Competing teams will also have food available for purchase.

Another highlight will be the scheduled arrival of a Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum steam train at 1 PM. Visitors will have an opportunity to see the historic Joe Robert Norton Turntable, which is used to turn steam locomotives at the Summerville Depot.

Train excursion tickets are available separately through the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum at www.tvrail.com.

The Summerville Steam Special Chili and Brunswick Stew Cook-Off takes place Saturday, October 24, from 10 AM until 3 PM at the Summerville Depot.