On Saturday, April 20th, the Boynton Beach Firefighter Benevolent Association (BBFFBA) held their 18th annual Chili Cook-Off and Fishing Tournament. It originally started as a way to raise money for a late Fire Lieutenant’s family, but has grown into a massive local charity event! This year, they were raising money for first responders mental health and PTSD from their job. Here’s some of the highlights!
Chili Cookoff:
Around a dozen teams participated in this year’s Chili Cookoff, from groups of firemen like the retirees from Palm Beach to companies like Baptist Health!
People who purchased a wristband at the event were able to get all they could eat burgers, hot dogs, and especially each team’s chili!
As well, they’d also get a coin. They would place this in the boot of their favorite chili, and whoever had the most won People’s Choice.
As well, some critics rated all the chili themselves, giving cash prizes to the top 3 teams. The 1st place prize (and my favorite) went to Boynton Beach Local 1891, our local firefighter union!
Fishing Tournament:
Also, you could enter into a fishing tournament! This allowed fishers from all across the area to bring their boats, and a few buddies, and try to catch some fish!
There were a few categories you could be entered in, depending both on the fish and the fishers! You could catch Mahi Mahi (aka dolphin fish), Kingfish (king mackerel) and Wahoo. If you had one of the largest, you could win a cash prize.
As well, there were prizes for Mystery Fish, Lady Angler, and Junior Angler. Mystery fish was simple, catch the largest of a random fish, being Blackfin Tuna this time. Also, the woman or kid who caught the largest fish, regardless of species, would win the Lady or Junior Angler respectively.
For the Kingfish, Dolphin, and Wahoo (KDW), 1st place for each category would win $1,500, 2nd place would win $1,000, 3rd wins $500, 4th wins $250, and 5th wins $100. Mystery Fish would win $300, Lady Angler.
Local Businesses:
Several local businesses turned up to the event, either having a place in the Chili Cook-Off or their own venues for their services!
One of them was Washed Up Ocean Art, run by Randi Bruney. She taught herself how to make art with resin during the pandemic, and has turned it into a business. She uses washed-up driftwood and resin to create beautiful pieces of oceanic art, from canvases to cutting boards!
As well, Red Line Mobile Axe Throwing returns yet another year to the event. You can rent them for any event, and they’ll bring their trailer and equipment. They’ll teach you how to throw an axe and you can have some fun, as many did during the event!
If you’d like to use any of their services, both have social media, placed below:
