Snow, Moose Milk and tradition highlight New Year’s Day at Paris Legion

Legion President Barry Humphrey and Mayor David Bailey present Rob Wilson with the High Noon Trophy following the annual tradition hosted by the legion on January 1, 2026. 

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

Tradition and a touch of winter humour marked New Year’s Day at Paris Legion Branch 29, where members and guests gathered for the annual High Noon Golf Tournament and New Year’s Levee.

The High Noon Golf Tournament, a Paris New Year’s Day staple since 1960, once again drew participants behind the Syl Apps Community Centre. Competitors attempt to drive a golf ball roughly 60 yards into a hula hoop — a task made considerably more challenging this year by deep snow and frozen ground.

Some years, like last January, there’s ample grass and the task is not so difficult. This year’s  golf challenge was not for the faint of heart with an estimated two feet of snow adding to the difficulty. “Placing a tee into frozen snow with gloves on is one of the biggest challenges. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear — snowshoes?” joked Paris Legion President Barry Humphrey.

Rob Wilson claimed bragging rights for a second straight year, successfully completing the challenge and earning his name on the tournament trophy once again.

Following the outdoor competition, about 60 people gathered inside the branch for the New Year’s Levee, an annual open house tradition held at legion branches across Canada to exchange well wishes at the start of the year. 

Attendees included the mayor, veterans, legion executive members, and friends and supporters of the branch. This year’s levee carried added significance as it marked the launch of the 100th anniversary of both the Royal Canadian Legion nationally and Paris Branch 29 locally.

Anniversary committee chair Carrie Moran introduced committee members, thanked supporters and officially introduced the traditional New Year’s beverage, Moose Milk, to the celebration. Anniversary committee members assisting with the event included Helen Banks, Sue Bohar, Marilyn Bursey, Brenda Carballo, Katy Osborne-Howie, Cheryl Humphrey, Carrie Moran and Tracy Terryberry.

“Moose Milk is a traditional drink of the Canadian Forces at functions both at home and abroad — a secret blend whose name conjures up many thoughts, one of which is winter and our great outdoors,” Humphrey said. Despite its name, the beverage is a cocktail typically made with eggnog, spirits and other closely guarded ingredients.

With laughter, tradition and a nod to a century of service, the New Year’s Day events once again brought the Paris legion community together to welcome the year ahead.