Friday, November 21, 2025 – Roane State Community College, Harriman, TN

For the past thirty years, the Friday evening before Thanksgiving has belonged to one of East Tennessee’s most beloved political traditions: Senator Ken Yager’s Annual Chili Supper. This year’s 30th celebration filled the Goff Building at Roane State from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with the irresistible aroma of chili, the sound of live country music, and the easy laughter of friends who only see each other in person a handful of times each year.

The menu is gloriously uncomplicated and perfectly executed: a big bowl of chili (mild or spicy), corn chips, shredded cheese if you want it, a grilled hot dog (regular or jalapeño), a cold drink, and an entire dessert table that could make a grown legislator weep—homemade cakes, pies, brownies, and cookies as far as the eye could see.

But the food is only half the story. This event has become the unofficial kickoff to Thanksgiving week for Tennessee Republicans. Elected officials, county party leaders, precinct workers, and supporters drive in from across the state because they know they’ll see everyone in one room—without a committee meeting or a vote in sight.

The entertainment this year was pure Opry-level quality. Mike Rogers—a regular on the Grand Ole Opry stage—and James Caruthers took the microphone between short remarks and kept the crowd smiling, clapping, and occasionally singing along. Their sets gave the evening exactly the right relaxed, front-porch feel.

The roster of guests read like a who’s-who of Tennessee Republican leadership:

•  Term-limited Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs

•  Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally

•  Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson

•  Senators Richard Briggs and Jesse Seal

•  State Representative Kelly Keisling and Johnny Garrett (a candidate for Congress himself in 2026)

•  Congressmen Chuck Fleischmann and Tim Burchett. Former Congressman Van Hilleary (a candidate again in 2026) 

•  And of course, the host himself—Senator Ken Yager, who also serves as Chairman of the Senate Republican Caucus

The main event of the night came when Senator Yager took the stage with U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn and, in front of a packed and cheering room, formally endorsed her expected campaign for Governor of Tennessee. The applause was loud, long, and genuine—exactly the kind of moment that reminds you why these gatherings matter.

For thirty years, Ken Yager has opened the doors, fired up the chili pots, and given Republicans across Tennessee a chance to break bread (and corn chips) together the week we’re all supposed to give thanks. In a time when politics can feel angry and divided, the Chili Supper is a reminder that relationships still matter, that a bowl of chili and a slice of homemade dessert can still bring people together, and that East Tennessee hospitality is alive and well.

If you’ve never been, put it on your calendar for next November. You’ll leave full—of chili, dessert, and good company.

See you at the 31st!