As the weather cools down, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili to bring family and friends together. This time of year means it’s officially chili season—and that means cook-off time too! Whether you’re stirring up a pot for your family, tailgating at a game, or entering a local competition, everyone has their own secret recipe.

Here are a few tried-and-true tips to help you make the perfect pot of chili:

Hunters and community members from across the region gathered on Saturday for a hands-on Deer Processing Class hosted at Johnson’s Deer Processing & Taxidermy, located at 520 W Mountain View Road in Corryton. The class was led by Tyler Johnson, who provided a live demonstration and detailed instruction on how to properly and safely field dress a deer.

The Union County Jr. High 4-H team recently competed in the Eastern Region Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Skill-A-Thon, held in McMinn County. This hands-on contest gives youth the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge in areas such as food and nutrition, child development, clothing and textiles, and housing and interior design. Participants rotate through a series of skill stations where they solve real-world problems and apply what they have learned.

Union County bakers have one last chance to enter the Cake and Pie Contests at the 2025 Union County Heritage Festival. Entries will be accepted at the Union County Extension Office on Thursday, October 2, from 4 to 5 p.m., and Friday, October 3, from 8 to 11 a.m. Judging will take place Friday at 12:30 p.m.

The Union County Extension Office will host a free Deer Processing Class on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Johnson’s Deer Processing, 520 W Mountain View Rd, Corryton, TN 37721. The class is presented by Union County Extension’s Family and Consumer Science Agent with several guest presenters.

The Cake & Pie Contests are back at the Union County Heritage Festival—Friday, October 3rd! This sweet tradition is serving up $500 in prize money for the best bakers in Union County.

Prizes:

Grand Champion (Cake & Pie): $100 each

1st Place in Each Category: $50 each

Cake Categories: Layered • Sheet • Bundt
Pie Categories: Fruit • Cream • Nut/Other

Entry Drop-Off: Thursday, Oct. 2 | 4–5 PM and Friday, Oct. 3 | 8–11 AM at the Union County Extension Office

Judging begins Friday, Oct. 3 at 12:30 PM.

Union County bakers, it’s time to preheat the ovens—the Cake and Pie Contests are back for the 2025 Union County Heritage Festival. This much-loved tradition brings together the community’s best bakers while raising funds to support the Union County Family & Community Education (FCE) Club.

The contests are free to enter and open to all ages. Entries must be completely homemade, with no store-bought mixes, frostings, crusts, or fillings allowed. Each entry should be accompanied by a recipe card and completed registration form.

Union County Family and Community Education (FCE) members enjoyed a full month of activities in September, beginning with FCE Day at the Tennessee Valley Fair on Tuesday, September 9, in Knoxville.

The Union County Extension Office is asking for input from local residents to help shape future Family and Consumer Science (FCS) programs. FCS programs cover a wide range of topics that support families and communities, including nutrition and cooking, financial literacy, health and wellness, parenting, and more.

Abigail Thomas, Union County’s Family and Consumer Science Agent, is conducting a needs assessment to better understand what resources and programs would be most helpful to the people of Union County.

Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are invited to attend a special Deer Processing Class presented by Union County Extension’s Family and Consumer Science Agent, with guest presenters, on Saturday, October 11th, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Johnson’s Deer Processing, 520 W Mountain View Rd, Corryton, TN 37721.

This free, hands-on workshop will feature a live demonstration on how to properly field dress a deer and how to break it down into different cuts of meat. Participants will also receive information on venison recipes and how to safely preserve venison so nothing goes to waste.