Chili chefs and hungry tasters pack the Legion for successful inaugural Chili Cook Off

By Casandra Turnbull

Mayor David Bailey and partner Jim Triemstra brought the heat and claimed top honours at the 1st Annual Chili Cook-Off hosted by the Paris Legion Branch 29. Only a mere seven votes behind David and Jim were the Spicey Girls from Ayr (were there voting points for best dressed?)

Photo to the left shared by Mayor David Bailey

It was a spicey fiesta at the Paris legion last weekend as cooks brought their best and coveted chili recipes to the branch for the first Annual Chili Cook Off. The fundraiser was part of the Legion’s ongoing efforts to raise money for upgrades to the aging facility and around 100 people showed up ready to taste samples from nine different teams who entered the contest. Close to $500 was raised for the renovation fund. Competition was fierce as contestants shared their secret recipes with the people of Paris, who showed up to sample the best of the best. No doubt there was a variety of chili recipes and lots of friendly smack talk as contestants got into the full spirit of the event. Samples were rated on a scale of 1-5 based on colour, aroma, texture, heat and flavour A total of 290 votes were cast.

Mayor David Bailey and his partner Jim Triemstra (Be Ready Wards 2 & 3) brought the heat – and it was well received as the duo claimed top honours

The Spicey Girls from Ayr were close runner ups, only trailing David and Jim by seven votes. Finally, Derek and Carol Gibbons (Not your mother’s chili) rounded out the top three with their tasty recipe Paris Ward 2 Councillors Lukas Oakley and Steve Howes also entered the contest, sharing their finetuned chili recipe modified from @tedgrills (yes, the one and only Ted Reader who grew up in Paris and is arguably the BBQ King!). Their three-meat recipe, ingredients courtesy of Browndale Farm, was topped off with a brisket chaser to cleanse the palate Other entries included the Paris & District Chamber of Commerce (Chamber Chili Champs), Helen Banks and Linda Buck (The Branch Gran Beeners), Travis White (Game On), the Optimist Club (Chi-Chi Chilies), and The Arlington Hotel (Chef Jeremy Barrett)

“I would like to thank all of the contestants and all the people who took the time out of their busy lives to show up and support our event,” said Paris Legion Branch 29 President Donald MacLeod. The event was so popular, you couldn’t find a seat in the place! “Special thanks to Roy Haggart for all his hard work organizing the event,” he added.

As for MacLeod’s personal favourite, and winner of his coveted vote, (with no bias, really!), Helen and Linda – the Branch Gran Beaners!

Considering the success of this inaugural event, MacLeod confirmed the Legion will host the cook-off again next year, incorporating a few modifications to enhance the competition.

If you have a famous, award-winning recipe, fine tune it now in preparation for next year’s event because we have a feeling that many contestants will be back for redemption!

Of course, the Legion would represent at its own event! To the left is entry #6 aka Helen Banks with the Branch Gran Beeners. To the right, the Chi-ChiChilies, who also do some pretty great community work with the Paris Optimist Club. County of Brant Chamber of Commerce photos

The Paris & District Chamber of Commerce offered up some Chamber Chili and sharing some important literature at the same time! It was packed at the Legion last Saturday. If you didn’t get out but want to support the legion, 300 Club tickets are on sale now. Find out more here

Paris campers Brave the Cold to raise money and awareness for homelessness

By Casandra Turnbull

There's only one way to gain a true understanding of a situationand that is by experiencing it, or in this case, living it.

For the third consecutive year, brave residents faced the elements of a Canadian winter and camped out at Paris Springs Seasonal Park on Kitchener Road, just outside of town, to raise funds for local homelessness programming. They ‘Braved the Cold’for a three-night campout, mostly in tents and self-made structures to try and block out the wind as temperatures dipped below zero last weekend.

Randy and Cordelia Knowles, owners of Paris Springs Park, organized Brave the Cold Fundraiser to raise awareness and money for local agencies who aid people in need. It started in 2022 and has since gained moment and much-needed attention.

The statistics are astounding and it’s happening here in your community. Homelessness is no longer an issue in just the larger urban cities, it’s happening everywhere. The obstacles to securing housing vary from no or limited income to health issues, family breakdown, criminal history, addiction, mental health issues and lack of affordable housing.

For more information on local statistics, shelters and services available, click here

Brave the Cold fundraiser has come to an end. All campers have survived their three nights braving the cold last weekend. Yes, they had a huge fire to keep them warm, but it did get cold through the night. Well-done to all involved. Money raised will be donated to local charities involved with homelessness. View the video above - a CHCH News report from the campsite.

Moore-ish Caribbean Cookhouse a family affair –Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Family Day

On Monday, February 19th , Mayor Bailey had the pleasure of attending a fantastic ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Grand Opening of the Moore-ish Caribbean Cookhouse! Join us in congratulating Moore-ish Caribbean Cookhouse on their remarkable debut in Paris. Did you know that the name "Moore-ish" (inspired by the incredible head chef Andrea LevyMoore) is a clever play on the word "moreish" meaning a food or drink that is so good, it leaves you wanting more! It perfectly captures the essence of their mouthwatering dishes and delightful beverages that leave you craving for more! If you're a fan of Caribbean cuisine or simply love exploring new flavors, make sure to visit Moore-ish Caribbean Cookhouse at 1 Hartley Avenue. Your taste buds are in for an unforgettable experience! Check out their menu online and give them a warm Paris welcome!