It’s not just the chili that will be smokin’ hot at the annual firefighter’s cook-off Friday.
The oft-shirtless men who appear in the 2014 Tucson Firefighter Calendar will be at the cook-off signing autographs and posing for pictures.
The Tucson Firefighters 18th annual Chili Cook-off runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday at El Presidio Park, 160 W Alameda Street, downtown near North Court Avenue.
Firehouses from throughout Southern Arizona will be represented at the 30 booths. At least half will be selling chili for $2 a cup. Other booths will feature different foods, entertainment and activities, said Andy Trujillo, spokesman for Tucson Firefighters Association Local 479.
Proceeds from the cook-off will support the association’s Adopt-A-Family Program, which provides food boxes, basic necessities, clothing and gifts to families in need.
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“Many of these families are referred to us from various sources and some are directly adopted by us as we see the need when we go to the residence on calls,” Trujillo said. “Last year we raised approximately $60,000 and this year we are working hard to surpass that amount.”
Firefighters who appeared in the new 16-month calendar will be at the cook-off on-and-off throughout the day, but most will be onsite from 5 to 9 p.m. The calendars sell for $20 each and proceeds benefit local charities.
