FRANKLIN—Sunny weather and a healthy turnout contributed to the success of another chili cookoff in downtown Franklin, one organizer said Monday.

“It was a beautiful day,” said Dan Howe, manager of the Downtown Franklin Association. “We had a steady flow of people.”

There were 12 teams vying for the top prize, which included a trophy, a check for $300 and bragging rights for a year. The chili was judged on its taste, aroma and appearance.

The first-place award went to the Franklin Chili Dogs, led by team captain Ken Sterling.

“This year’s competition was very close,” Howe said. “They were all good.”

The Franklin Chili Dogs chili “was spicy but not too spicy and it had a lot of colorful ingredients,” he added.

Second place, which included a trophy and $100 check, was awarded to team Southside Fire, sponsored by Southside Fire Extinguisher Co. in Franklin and led by Bob Archer and Linda Bond.

Team Willi and Dilli, led by Bryan Fenters of State Farm Insurance, won the third-place trophy and a $75 check.

The judges awarded Joe’s Pizza and Pasta, led by Joe Misseri, the “Best Booth” prize for its “Godfather” theme.

There also were “people’s choice” awards. Everyone who paid to get into the cookoff got a ballot and was able to vote for their favorites.

Those winners are as follows:

Best chili — Chili Banditos

Sponsored by Don Pancho’s Cantina and led by team captain Kristina Plunkett

Best booth — Navy Fiesta

Sponsored by City Paint and Beverly Myers and led by team captain Scott Seddon