With the beautiful aesthetics and calm weather, many prefer to fill their Autumn evenings with family fun and warm, home-made cooking. Monday evening’s chili cook-off and fall festival, hosted by Middlesboro Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility, provides families with the opportunity to do just that.

Each year, the facility has been known to host the cook-off, bringing in crowds eager to vote for — and indulge in — their favorite bowl. However, this year they have decided to expand the event to include a small fall festival for both children and parents alike to enjoy after a bowl of their favorite chili.

This year’s teams competing for the title of “Best Chili” will include several local service departments, such as: the Middlesboro Police Department, the Middlesboro Fire Department, the Bell County Rescue Squad, and the Middlesboro Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility itself.

For only eight dollars, families can partake in the games, prizes and crafts of the festival, as well as sample each team’s chili, choosing their favorite as the main dish. Free donuts and Mexican cornbread will also be provided with the meal.

“This is something we look forward to hosting each fall,” said Kristy Bean, activities director for the facility. “The families always seem to really enjoy it, and we’re glad that this year we were able to expand it even more for them.”