Park City Fire fundraises for Burn Camp programs in chili cook-off

Park City Fire at the 2022 Utah Firefighter Chili cookoff. Photo: courtesy of Utah Firefighter Chili cookoff

UTAH — 24 teams of first responders will gather for the 11th Year of the Utah Firefighter Chili Cookoff at America First Field Pavilion, located at 9256 South State Street in Sandy, on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This event is not just about the competition for the best chili and the best booth. It’s about bringing people together for a common goal — raising money for the University of Utah Health Burn Camp programs. Last year, the chili cook-off raised $40,000 fo the Burn Camp programs.

The Park City Fire team is led by firefighters Sam Robison and Logan Rodriguez. The Park City Fire team creates an annual booth that showcases a mine opening, complete with a mining cart of astonishing weight, surpassing that of a truck.

“We absolutely love this event for multiple reasons. First being to help support the University of Utah Health Burn Programs, and second being to help support our friends at UDK who put this event on,” said Rodriguez. “We think it’s important to help any way we can to those unfortunate burn victims. We can’t imagine the hardships that some of these families go through. If we can help raise a little money to help their recovery process then you know we will be there. Our team has a lot fun at this event. Not only do we put together a unique and fun booth catered around Park City’s history, we make award-winning chili (I hope). It’s a great time to see young kids and families that come out to support us as first responders. We feel the love from all over the state that come out to the event. Each year gets better and better and can’t wait for this year.”

The Burn Camp programs provide support for burn survivors in overcoming challenges that come with their recovery. With five camps tailored to different age groups, a nurturing and safe environment is created, promoting healing and equipping survivors with the tools they need to thrive.

Admission is free and open to the public. Bring kids and enjoy games, crafts, and activities. Watch in awe as a helicopter from U of U Air Med lands before your eyes, and explore the array of fascinating fire apparatus on display. The event gets underway with a performance by the Emerald Society Pipes and Drums band.

Tickets are $2 for a bowl of chili and $6 for a beer from Moab Brewery. All proceeds go directly to Burn Camp programs.