Calling all cooks: Take a chance at the golden ladle in Franklin's Soup Fest

FRANKLIN — The Three Rivers City’s third annual Fall Festival — featuring the popular Soup Fest fundraiser — makes its way to Marceau Park on Saturday, Oct. 21.

A variety of tasty soups and chilis will be provided by local cooks for sampling by attendees, who pay a small fee to eat their fill and then vote on the best culinary delight.

Fall Festival, in addition to the Soup Fest, includes a variety of recreation activities, a Halloween Extravaganza party and parade, craft fair, gift baskets raffle and scarecrow competition.

The top three Soup Fest winners will be crowned at the event, which runs from 2 to 5 p.m. in downtown Franklin along the Winnipesaukee River.

Franklin Partners in Prevention, formerly the Mayor's Drug Task Force, uses the funds raised to help reduce substance misuse in the city. The day’s activities also help support nonprofits that benefit the community, said Stephanie Wolff, program director at Franklin Partners in Prevention.

“It’s been very successful the last few years,” she said. “The soups were really well received. People said they ate their fill."

While last year had six soup entries and more than 300 people paying to taste and vote on their favorites, the city is hoping to attract even more would-be soup chefs and eager tasters this year, said Wolff. Anyone, regardless of background, is encouraged to enter and contribute the required 6 gallons of soup. Local eateries, businesses, nonprofits, and individuals are encouraged to bring their best recipes out on the town. Soup heaters will be provided.

First place winners earn a "golden ladle" and bragging rights, along with a $100 gift card. Second place wins a $75 prize, and a third place showing gets $50.

To become a Soup Fest contestant, entrants can find more details and fill out an online form at franklinnh.org/parks-recreation/pages/franklin-fall-fest. Registration for the Soup Fest ends on Monday, Oct. 16.

To be a Soup Fest taster, come to Marceau Park on Oct. 21. Those ages 13 and up can partake for a standard entrance fee, ages 6 to 12 for a reduced fee, and it’s free for those 5 and under. All funds raised support Franklin Partners in Prevention.

For more information about the event, visit franklinnh.org.

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