Chilly for chili
The annual Marion County Chili Cook-Off drew a big crowd on a cool day.
Elle Pittman, 12, a 7th grade student, was dressed as a large chili pepper as she hands out chili samples at The Cornerstone School booth during the 44th annual Marion County Chili Cook-Off at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala, Fla. on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. The Ocala tradition is a fundraiser for The Cornerstone School. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2025.
The crisp, cool weather was a perfect companion for all the tasty chili being dished up on Nov. 1 at the 44th annual Marion County Chili Cook-Off.
The aromas inside the main arena at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion were hypnotic as nearly 30 cooks in decorated booths served up their special concoctions.
The event included entertainment, games and a car show, with all proceeds to benefit The Cornerstone School.
At the end of the day, these competitors took home trophies:
Judged Chili Grand Champion – The Fostering Foundation
Judged Chili 1st Runner Up – Eaton’s Beach
Judged Chili 2nd Runner Up – Majestic Oaks Realty
People’s Choice Chili Winner – Avita Red Hot Chili Peppers
People’s Choice Chili Runner Up – Eaton’s Beach
Best Restaurant – Eaton’s Beach
Judged Booth Winner – Stentiford Construction and Rauley’s
Judged Booth Runner Up – Engel & Volkers
People’s Choice Booth Winner – Stentiford Construction and Rauley’s
People’s Choice Booth Runner Up – Great Expectations Realty
Trapper Ron Morgan Spirit Award – Bart’s Bowl Busters
Earning awards in the event’s 10th annual car show were:
Pre’90s Original – Adrian Simonet, 1963 Corvette
Pre’90s Modified – John Wilson, 1955 Chevy Nomad
Modern Original – Debra Peters, 2021 Dodge Challenger
Modern Modified – Russell Buck, 2006 Ford Mustang GT
Build In Progress – Dack Brown, 1998 Honda Civic LLK
Off Road/4×4 – Bruce Miller, 1978 Ford Bronco XLT Ranger
People’s Choice – Steve Davis, 1965 Chevy Chevelle Malibu SS
Best in Show – Paul Saunders, 1970 Mustang
To learn more, go to facebook.com/chilicookoff and thecornerstoneschool.org
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