Cookin’ up a good time for a good cause
The Marion County Chili Cook-off, which is a fundraiser for The Cornerstone School, drew a large crowd to sample tasty wares, including a returning injured firefighter/team captain.
The 43rd Annual Marion County Chili Cook-Off on Nov. 2 had nearly 20 teams vying for the coveted title of Best Chili, Best Booth and other honors. And the competition was tough!
Earning the top honor of Judged Chili Grand Champion was Eaton’s Beach Sandbar & Grill. The first runner up was Mission BBQ and the second runner up was Stonestreet. Eaton’s Beach also nabbed the Best Restaurant Judged Chili. The People’s Choice Chili Grand Champ was Aspire Chili Charmers, with Marion County Fire Rescue claiming first runner up honors.
It’s a fair bet that the Professional Fire Fighters of Marion County L3169 Chili Cook-off team was glad to have their leader, MCFR Capt. Chris Trubelhorn, back behind the burner this year.
Trubelhorn was badly burned while fighting a structure fire in Silver Springs on Nov. 1, 2023. He spent eight weeks receiving treatment at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville. He said he endured 10 surgeries over two months for burns on his arms, hands, sides, flanks and abdomen.
“I’m secretary of the Professional Fire Fighters of Marion County. My wife and I accepted the challenge to lead the chili cook-off for PFFMC every year. That’s my baby,” he said in an article from December 2023. “I was so sorry to miss it this year but will be back next year. We have so much fun.”
Trubelhorn said via email on Monday that he was happy to return to the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion for the annual cook-off and that he still has some recovery ahead of him.
“I’m not back yet, still on light duty. I have at least one more surgery on my right hand,” he shared. “My health is much improved. I have visible scars over much of my body and my right finger is still deformed, but hopefully surgery will fix that.”
Trubelhorn is a U.S. Navy veteran whose deployments have included Operation Desert Storm. He and his wife Tabitha have one son and three grandchildren. He is a 19-year veteran of MCFR.
In the Best Judged Booth contest at the event, AdventHealth claimed the top spot, with Hot Chili Doc claiming first runner up. The People’s Choice Booth Grand Champ was Marion County Fire Rescue, with The Cornerstone School’s National Junior Honor Society as first runner up. AdventHealth also earned the Trapper Ron Morgan Spirit Award.
Winners in the ninth car show at the event included Best in Show, Matt Smith, ’83 Chevy S-10 and People’s Choice, John Derose, ’94 Ford F150.
“The Marion County Chili Cook-Off was a great success. It brought the community together with great food, friendly competition and a fantastic atmosphere. It was wonderful to see everyone enjoying themselves and we’re looking forward to next year’s event,” said Brooke Schultheis, the school’s marketing and communications coordinator.
To learn more, go to marioncountychilicookoff.com and thecornerstoneschool.org
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