The excitement is building as we approach Saturday, November 1st, as the community begins to prepare for the 13th Annual Jerry Adams Annual Chili Cookoff at the Esplanade, a favorite event for families and visitors to the island. This event has come to symbolize the kickoff to the beginning of the festive holiday season on the island and the return of many of our wonderful friends and neighbors from their homes to the north.
The Marco Island Fire/Rescue Foundation continues its proud tradition of honoring the late Jerry Adams, a dedicated firefighter and EMT who proudly served Marco Island for 23 years, as well as being a great mentor to younger members of the department. Jerry was also known for his passion for cooking chili and competing at local food events. Although Jerry lost his battle with cancer in 2012, his legacy continues through this beloved annual cook-off.
A $20 contribution grants access to all the chili tasting you can handle, with children under 12 attending for free. In addition to chili, CJ’s on the Bay will be serving side dishes and happy hour drinks, Cheryl Stokes, a Foundation Board Member, as well as the Branch Manager for New American Funding Mortgages will be providing hot dogs for all, while cookies will be provided by the Marco Island Kiwanis Club while they support MIA’s Key Club, who will also be competing in the event!
Marco firefighters brought the heat at last year’s cookoff.
A Jerry Adams Package will be offered this year, giving you a $130 value for $100. It includes two admission tickets, a family membership to the Fire Foundation for one year, two drink tickets, and seven tickets for the 50/50 drawing. This will be available online only, on or before October 31st, at www.marcoislandfirefoundation.com.
Keeping the event lighthearted this year will see head-to-head competition between the Spice Girls vs. the Kitchen Witches, as well as the spirited competition between the firefighters vs. the Marco police officers. Returning this year after the completion of their extensive renovations will be the Marco Island Yacht Club. Al’s Pals with their tasty recipe will also be shooting for the coveted first-place finish.
New entries this year will be the Family Church and the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, as well as St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, which won the competition in 2024.
Ori’s Café will be joining the Island Country Club, Hideaway Beach, Hilton Beach Resort and Spa, the JW Marriott Beach Resort and Spa, the Italian Deli, and Mangos.
This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy great chili by our chefs with good music and the opportunity to give back to those who serve our community every day. Thank you to our generous sponsors, and a special thanks to 1-800-BoardUp as the Signature Sponsor for 2024!
The Marco Island Fire Rescue Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, provides emergency support for firefighters and their families during times of personal hardship. The Foundation also supports scholarships for members and their immediate families, and at the same time, invests in the future of our community.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.coastalbreezenews.com ’
