WATCH // EXPLORE // CRAVE
CHILI T TIME
Although the traditional Marion County Chili Cook-Off isn’t happening this year, there are still plenty of ways to add a little spice to dinner time. // B Y M E L I S S A P E T E R S O N
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here’s nothing like a warm bowl of chili to kick off the winter season, and although the in-person event celebrating this favorite dish has been put on hold this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re here to make sure you still get a hefty helping of chili to keep you warm and cozy all season long. In its 39th year, the Marion County Chili Cook-Off is a staple of Ocala’s fall festival lineup. Benefitting The Cornerstone School, the festival started as a small gathering in the school’s parking lot and has grown into one of the county’s most popular community events, with over 5,000 local residents in attendance in 2019. “This year, unfortunately, will be the first year that The Cornerstone School has not had its Chili Cook-Off fundraiser,” says Matt Young, marketing, communications and fundraising coordinator for the school. “It’s a hard pill to swallow, but we respect the importance of keeping our community safe during this pandemic and doing our part to limit the spread of the virus.” In an effort to keep the tradition alive, the school has decided to make the best of the situation—albeit in a different format that allows for smaller groups of people while still giving the community the chili it loves. “The Chili Cook-Off committee has decided to still make an event T-shirt for what is now being called the 2020 Quarantine Edition of the Marion County Chili Cook-Off,” says Matt. “The funds raised will go directly back into the school, but the main goal this year is to just keep the ‘love of chili’ top of mind and to build excitement for our 40th
