INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — You can tell that winter is on its way to Vero Beach when the Indian River County Firefighters gather for their annual chili cook-off. On Saturday night, despite the onset of a torrential autumn rain storm early in the evening, a crowd of hearty charity minded chili enthusiasts showed up at Riverside Park to sample a variety of concoctions, in order to raise funds for local organizations offering support to people who live in our community and who are in need.
Indian River County’s Firefighters are incredibly generous, with their time and their money, supporting philanthropic organizations throughout the area. The chili cook off is one of those many endeavors. In its eleventh year, the event, which originally took place along Ocean Drive, became so popular that it had to move venues. Riverside Park’s Grand Pavilion area was the perfect spot for the thousands who came to sample and support good causes.
All of the proceeds were donated to Childcare Resources, the Indian River County Medical Society Foundation for ‘We Care’, and the Treasure Coast Food Bank.
Rain was heavy at times, but revelers tasted their way through a variety of different tents offering salsa and chili made with all kinds of secret ingredients and competitive passion.
Chili was not the only entertainment of the evening. Lots of talent, including Vero Beach High School senior Jackie Steil, Emily Brooke, Old Dominion, and Katie Armiger, took centerstage.
“The rain came and went and few left but majority stayed,” said Leslie Steil, Jackie Steil’s mom. “It was jammed. The line was at least a block long to get tickets for the chili.”
As the showers ebbed and flowed throughout the evening, and temperatures dipped into the 60s, public service organizations vied for first prize in several different categories. At stake was the esteem of their peers, as well as bragging rights for the next year.
Teams were represented from Melbourne Firefighters, Indian River County Firefighters, and the Vero Beach Volunteer Firefighters.
Competitors in the business division included Winn-Dixie, Dyer Auto Group, Anytime Fitness of Vero Beach, Sealrite Paver, One Source Financial, Goodtime Getaways/Magic Carpet Rides, Parris Family Chiropractic, Ultimate Allstars, and Vero Beach Weightlifting/Orchid Island Crossfit.
The competition was formidable in the restaurant division, with local watering holes Blue Agave and What-A-Tavern, along with Indian River Estates all vying to be number one.
Even local schools participated, including Osceola Magnet School and the Indian River State College Culinary Arts students and teachers hoping to bring home a prize.
County Commissioners Joe Flescher and Peter O’ Bryan, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Penny Chandler, City Manager Jim O’ Connor, City Council Member Jay Kramer, along with community members Chris Farrell, Tim Girard, and Anna Valencia-Tillery judged the chili.
Members of the crowd had the chance to vote for their favorite chili and salsa, as well as the best booth presentation.
“The crowd was amazing even when it started pouring,” said Osceola Magnet School teacher Kathy Cathcart, whose booth decoration won first place. “We have true chili lovers trying our chili under an umbrella. It is such a good time spending time with friends while giving back to the community.”
