Marion County Chili Cook-Off Marks 45 Years

Teams from across Central Florida competed at the 45th annual event in Ocala, which funds The Cornerstone School.

Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Philanthropy

Large iron pot of red chili simmering on a burner under an open pavilion roof, with a wooden picnic table and stacked bowls in the foreground and flat Florida fairground behind. — Teams from across Central Florida competed Saturday in Ocala at the 45th annual Marion County Chili Cook-Off, which has raised money for The Cornerstone School. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The 45th annual Marion County Chili Cook-Off was held Saturday at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala, where teams from across Central Florida competed for the title of best chili. Visitors sampled recipes and voted for their favorites.

Why it matters

The cook-off has raised money for local education since it began as a fundraiser to help establish The Cornerstone School in Ocala. Its continued run reflects sustained community participation in the event.

The 45th annual cook-off traces back to its 1981 start as a fundraiser for The Cornerstone School. Attendance, vote counts, and the amount raised this year were not reported.

The players

Marion County

Marion County is the Florida county that sponsors the annual chili cook-off in Ocala.

The Cornerstone School

The Cornerstone School is an Ocala school that the cook-off was founded to help establish, and it continues to receive the event's proceeds.

The details

The event featured judged and People's Choice categories for both booths and chili, along with a car show, carnival games, and family-friendly activities. All proceeds benefit the school's educational programs.

1981: The chili cook-off began as a fundraiser for The Cornerstone School.
Saturday, November 7, 2026: The 45th annual Marion County Chili Cook-Off was held at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion.

Philanthropy Roots

The cook-off's 1981 origin as a fundraiser for The Cornerstone School places the 2026 event within a long pattern of community-run events directing proceeds to local education. Its 45-year run shows that model has been sustained locally for more than four decades.

Residents who attend the cook-off help fund educational programs at The Cornerstone School. The event also offers families a car show, carnival games, and chili tasting in Ocala.

The takeaway

Local fundraising events can sustain school programs for decades when they become a regular community tradition. Attending or volunteering at such events is a direct way to support local education.