Firefighters return for annual Chili Cook-Off in San Mateo

This year, part of the proceeds will go to a special cause in honor of a San Mateo Consolidated fire Capt. Greg Campbell who was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer, Gino Lavezzo, a firefighter with the organization and event organizer, said. 

“We love serving the community so there’s nothing better than having it be a close-knit organization,” Lavezzo said. “I think it’s also important to give the proceeds to something near and dear to us.” 

The cook-off will be 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and, for $10, guests can sample each of the chilis — made with care by the teams cooking anywhere from 10 to 40 gallons of chili — and can get a bowl of their favorite. Teams will represent nearly every firefighter organization throughout the county, from Menlo Park to Daly City. 

For San Mateo Consolidated, its chili chef Rob Aranda will be putting his restaurant experience to the test. 

“He spends a lot of time perfecting the recipe and everybody’s got their own kind of secret recipe,” Lavezzo said. “It’s good friendly competition.” 

Each team gets to the park early to begin cooking, rushing to swoon over judges — typically councilmembers from San Mateo, Belmont and Foster City — by noon. Teams are made up of firefighters from Daly City, Pacific, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Redwood City, Woodside and more. 

Beyond making chili, the event serves to be community oriented and brings residents together. For the firefighters themselves, it’s an opportunity to get together for lighthearted fun amid hectic work lives.

“We’re usually getting together at an academy graduation or, unfortunately, a funeral if someone has passed away, so it’s nice to get out in the community and just have fun with each other,” Lavezzo said.  

From going through fire academy to running calls together, the chili cook-off celebrates the service work firefighters dedicate themselves to, Lavezzo said.

This year, attendees who want to show support but may not prefer the variety of chili options can dine at a taco truck owned by a local resident. Hot dogs, popcorn and ice cream will also be available. 

In a friendly competitive atmosphere, raising money for something close to the community’s hearts, the cook-off hopes to serve locals and bring them closer together.

“That’s kind of our main goal with the things we do on a day-to-day basis in the fire services, and at this event as well,” Lavezzo said. 

Music will be provided by a live DJ, a bounce house will be available for children, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. 

“We end up seeing quite a few of the same folks every year, and it’s always great to have new people come out,” Lavezzo said. “It definitely shows the value that we have in being such a great community and bringing people together for a great cause.”