Thousands embarked on Castaic Saturday for the 11th annual Chili Cook-Off, hosted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, uniting chili lovers and law enforcement officials alike in an effort to benefit the Special Olympics.
“The goal today is to bring together the Sheriff’s Department units and the public to support Special Olympics,” said Gerri McCorkle, Sargent, Ranch Operations.
People who attended the event purchased tickets which allowed them to eat chili from the event’s various chili booths.
There were 27 booths total at the event, 24 were from The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the others were from the District Attorney, Special Olympics and Parole Compliance Unit.
Each Chili booth sported unique themes ranging from westerns, to Game of Thrones, to the Civil War.
At least 5,000 people turned out to the cook off, which has been held at the Jack Bones Equestrian Center in Castaic for the last 11 years.
Among the attendees was Special Olympics athlete Matt Adams, who is diagnosed with Autism, mental retardation and Bipolar disorder.
“They’re doing more than giving back to the community, they’re giving back to us—kids who have special needs,” he said.
“I’m very thankful for what they’re doing for us.”
