Little MiamiJoint Fire & Rescue
Little MiamiJoint Fire & Rescue
A Fairfax tradition that brings neighbors together—and welcomes the community into the firehouse.
Fairfax’s chili cook-off has brought residents together for tasting, friendly competition, and conversation. LMFR’s connection includes serving on the judging panel and welcoming the event to Station 66. Today, the cook-off and Neighbor Day offer another chance to spend time with the people behind the emergency response.
Fairfax advertised five chili categories, a Judges’ Overall award, public tasting, and a People’s Choice vote.
The event was advertised at the R.G. Cribbet Recreation Center, with awards for mild, medium, hot, vegetarian, and specialty chili, plus recognition for the best table display.
LMFR Chief Jim Puthoff joined the judging panel. Justin Buswell received Judges’ Overall and Mild honors; Krista Rackley received People’s Choice. Nick Moore won Medium, Joe Huskey won Hot, and Whitney Maloney won Specialty and Best Decorated Table Display.
The event moved to the Little Miami firehouse on Wooster Pike, and firefighters entered their own chili. Justin Buswell received both Judges’ Overall and People’s Choice—the first time both awards went to the same chili, according to the village newsletter.
Fairfax’s event calendar paired the cook-off with LMFR Neighbor Day. In its Facebook recap, the district thanked everyone who attended and celebrated the turnout and sunny weather.
This timeline includes years supported by available records. It is not a complete annual list; dates and results for other years have not yet been verified.
Photos from Little Miami Joint Fire & Rescue District’s Neighbor Day and Chili Cook-Off recap.
Photo credit: Little Miami Joint Fire & Rescue District, via its public Facebook recap. All gallery photos shown here are from the 2026 event.
Follow LMFR on Facebook and check Fairfax’s events calendar for the next announced event.