Firefighter Chili Cook-off and Tailgate Party Benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Assocation

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San Diego, California

Southern California firefighters recently participated in a chili cook-off and tailgate party before a San Diego Padres baseball game.  This special event drew thousands and the proceeds benefitted the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Firefighters set up booths where attendees could sample their chili, and the crowd was asked to place votes for their favorite chili and booth theme.  The firefighters were very creative with their themes, including the Poway Firefighter Association's Texas Chili Saw Massacre, Carlsbad Fire Department's Jamaican theme, and a "Reno 911"-themed booth where firefighters dressed up as the characters from the hit TV show.  Several fire departments, including the Escondido Fire Department had tropical-themed booths.

The event was filled with fun and camaraderie among the firefighters, although friendly teasing was abundant among the competitors.  Jeff McClellen of the Escondido Fire Department talked about the excellence of his department's chili and discouraged people from eating others' chili, jokingly saying, "Their chili is not good.  It's made from fish fins.  These guys just have a brisket.  There's no beans or anything, so we're faring pretty well."

The entry fee to the tailgate party and chili cook-off included beer, and there was a large silent auction, also to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  As they have done in the past four years, the San Marcos Fire Department once again took home the Best Chili Award.  The event was successful, raising $40,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

FDNNTV.com's Labor Day Weekend Coverage of Firefighters Helping the MDA

Join FDNNTV.com's Deanne Goodman on Friday, September 4th for a story about one young girl who will be able to go to MDA Summer Camp because of the money raised at the chili cook-off.  Sunday, September 6th we will bring you the story of a San Marcos firefighter and his brother, who suffers with Muscular Dystrophy.

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