Millions of LED lights filled the Parkway in Gatlinburg as people kicked off a winter tradition. Wednesday marked the 22nd annual Gatlinburg Winter Magic kickoff and chili cookoff.
Restaurants, public service agencies, and retailers were among the dozens of participants in this year's cookoff.
A $10 wristband was required to taste the chili, but a portion of that money will go to Pi Beta Phi Elementary School.
Thousands of people braved the cold and filled the streets of Downtown Gatlinburg.
"Everyone's having a great time. There's a lot of full bellies and probably a lot of Tums will be dispensed later on tonight, but everyone's having a great time. You know, how could you not? It's Gatlinburg, the lights are lit; it's beautiful!" said WIMZ radio DJ T.K.
Gatlinburg will also be hosting the Fantasy of Lights parade on December 7.