Jon Bon Jovi Surprises Everyone at Chili Cookoff in Toms River

There's nothing like a hot and delicious bowl of chili, especially this time of year. When there's a chill in the air, leaves are changing colors and gently float to the ground to create a heartwarming...ok you get the picture.

For the past seven years, JBJ Soul Kitchen has hosted its annual chili cook-off, and the 7th edition happened earlier this week. The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation began back in 2006 to help combat hunger, poverty and homelessness. According to Toms River Online, "guests began lining up outside the fence of the Hooper Avenue location as early as 9 a.m. and traveled from as far away as Brazil." There was no guarantee that Jon Bon Jovi would be there, and there were no valid claims that Jon Bon Jovi would be there, but there was lots and lots of hope that Jon Bon Jovi would be making an appearance that he would make an appearance at the chili cook-off that bears his name.

Well, Bon Jovi and chili fans alike were pleasantly surprised, to say the least when Jon showed up to enjoy some of the tasty offerings, thank the competitors and say hello to many of the chili-loving attendees. The competitors and entries (some had Bon Jovi references) were Toms River Fire Co. #1 and their Smolder on the Hill, Lanoka Harbor EMS featured their Blaze of Glory, Ocean County Sheriff’s PBA Local 379 served Macho Five Start Chili, Six Flags EMS shared their Nitro Chili, Sayreville Police Department named theirs after the Bon Jovi album Slippery When Wet, NJ State Police in Holmdel had Joey Keys Smoked Chili, Melrose Hose Company/Sayreville Fire Department served up some of their Melrose Chili, Union Beach Police Department impressed with Momma’s Blue Line Chili, President Park Fire Co/Sayreville Fire Department featured their House 5 Chili, many enjoyed Sayreville Engine Co #1/Sayreville Fire Department's Last Minute Experiment, and Toms River Police Department entered their Battle River Stout.

The JBJ Soul Foundation provides meals at its Toms River location and also sets up affordable housing. They also graciously accept donations here.

Now that it's November most of us have turkey on the brain but there's also something we should start preparing for if we haven't already. That's right, it's time to grab your running shoes and sign up for that local Turkey Trot or 5K in town.

For some, it might be a household tradition and for others, well you'll have your glass of wine and turkey leg very soon. The annual walk or run brings families and friends together to kick off holiday celebrations with most being held on the day of Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 24th).

If you live here in New Jersey, there are Turkey Trots, and 5K races, among many other Thanksgiving-related events being held all month long statewide. Be sure to review each event website for any date or time changes prior to Thanksgiving as several will be held weather permitting.

Check out a selection of the Turkey Trots and 5K races being held in New Jersey throughout November 2022 below.

Howell, NJ | Sunday, November 13th

Asbury Park, NJ | Saturday, November 19th

Manasquan, NJ | Saturday, November 19th

https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/NJ/Manasquan/ManasquanTurkeyTrot#event-638477

Ocean City, NJ | Thursday, November 24th

Medford Lakes, NJ | Thursday, November 24th

Glen Rock, NJ | Thursday, November 24th

Madison, NJ | Thursday, November 24th

https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Madison/CASTurkeyTrot2020

West Windsor Township, NJ | Thursday, November 24th

Pittsgrove, NJ | Thursday, November 24th

Chatham Township, NJ | Thursday, November 24th

https://www.thechathamturkeytrot.org/

Bayonne, NJ | Thursday, November 24th

https://www.raceplace.com/events/124556/bayonne-turkey-trot-5k-1-mile-fun-run

Holmdel, NJ | November 24, 2022

Somerset, NJ | Sunday, November 27th