Call goes out for cooks as Paris Legion’s Chili Cook Off heats up March 7

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 29 Paris is putting out a call for chili lovers and competitive cooks alike, as registration opens for its annual Chili Cook Off fundraiser in March.

The fourth annual event is set for March 7 at the legion on William Street, with teams asked to arrive by 10:30 a.m. Doors open to the public for tasting from noon to 3 p.m. 

Organizers are expanding the cook off this year in response to growing interest. Up to 18 teams will be accepted, with plans to use both the first and second floors of the legion if registration exceeds 10 teams. If 10 or fewer teams register, the competition will remain on the main floor as it has in previous years.

“This is truly a fun event. Competitors dress up in costumes and decorate their tables. Lots of fun rivalry between tables,” said Roy Haggart, one of the lead organizers of the fundraiser. “Last year, one team brought their bagpipes. Another year, one team had made up a song which they sang throughout the day.”

Unlike traditional judged competitions, patrons decide the winners. Each attendee receives three voting tickets to place in the bowls of their favourite competitors, determining first, second and third-place finishes. Audiences of all ages are encouraged to attend, particularly those with a taste for chili. Children under nine years of age are admitted free. Along with the food, the event is known for its spirited competition, often featuring county councillors, service clubs and community groups facing off, sometimes even against the mayor.

In the inaugural year, Mayor David Bailey and partner Jim Triemstra took top honours. Ward 2 councillors Steve Howes and Lukas Oakley also known to compete with their closely guarded secrete recipe that they try to perfect each year.  Their attendance has not been  confirmed yet.

The cook off promotes both local food businesses and self-proclaimed home cooks, giving them a chance to showcase their signature chili recipes to a crowd that typically numbers in the hundreds.

Last year’s champions were the Red-Hot Silly Peppers — Don and Rob Cruickshank and Jerry Hamor. Second place went to the Red-Hot Chili Peppers — Heidi and Derrick Ostner and Kelley and Kieran McPate — whose bagpipes famously drew tasters to their table. Third place was a tie between the Kiwanis Club of Paris-Brant and the team of Howes and Oakley.

Registration costs $10 per team, with a maximum of two people per team. Admission for tasters is $5. Proceeds support renovations and general upkeep at the legion branch. Anyone interested in registering a team is encouraged to reach out by email to royhaggart@rogers.com to obtain a copy of the registration form. Don’t miss your chance to register before the event sells out!