Cornerstone Chili Cook-off

Chili Cook-Off

The Chili Cook-Off is back, and in person

BY SHARON RAYE

One of Ocala’s most beloved events, the Marion County Chili Cook-Off, is celebrating its milestone, its 40th year! The event has become an annual staple in the community while being organized by and raising money for The Cornerstone School.

“It is very special to the school’s history, but also has become a ‘cornerstone’ event in Marion County for the Ocala community,” said Bonnie Farr, The Cornerstone School’s board president. “We are very proud of this event and the way in which it brings together our school with a greater community.”

From the event’s inaugural location at the former Ramada Inn at US 27 and I-75 to its present location at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, there has been considerable growth. Over 5,000 patrons attended the 2019 Chili Cook-Off, maintaining the same momentum that had been built the previous 37 years.

Fast forward to 2020 when, like many other events shaken by the recent pandemic, the Chili Cook-Off had to get creative. The 39th version of the Marion County Chili Cook-Off took on a whole new look. Building upon the school’s philosophies of building strong community participation with their students, the event was held quarantine style with Big Lee’s Barbecue emerging the winner.

Rashad Jones, owner of Big Lee’s, said, “It was super fun to participate in this because the Chili Cook-Off is a wholesome event. It’s family friendly and it’s great seeing our community come together for a great cause.”

Beyond the atmosphere and the cause, it’s also great to be victorious.

“Winning in 2019 meant a lot to me,” Jones said. “I was grateful that so many people enjoyed our chili enough for us to earn their votes! My team and I worked super hard to create the best chili and the best experience that we knew how to for our awesome guests.” The competition best beware: Jones said he plans on entering again this year.

For this year’s event, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Livestock Pavilion, there will be a children’s section with games and inflatables, a bake sale and a car show in addition to all the great varieties of chili cooked up by the contestants.