United Way of Lamar County Chili Cook-Off and Final Campaign Report Out: November 13

About the cook-off

The cook-off doubles as the United Way's final campaign report out for 2026, the wrap-up meeting where workplace campaign totals are announced across the Lamar County service area. Partner agencies and workplace teams cook and compete for the cook-off trophy, with attendees paying $5 at the door for all-you-can-eat chili and the proceeds going directly to the United Way of Lamar County and the agencies it supports.

The first annual cook-off in 2025 drew judges from the Chamber of Commerce, Paris Junior College, and East Texas Broadcasting, and the United Way's annual campaign supports a network of partner agencies serving Lamar County families. The 2026 edition lands at the PJC Ballroom on the campus at the corner of Clarksville Street and the campus loop, an easy mid-campus stop for anyone working downtown or at the college.

What it means for Paris

A community cook-off that pulls workplace teams, agency staff, and lunch crowds together is a small but steady piece of Paris's civic economy, and it shows the depth of the nonprofit and employer network in Lamar County. For anyone watching the local market, events like this are a reminder that Paris's commercial vitality runs on more than retail and industry, it runs on the community organizations that keep the workforce and families anchored here. Bring cash for the door and a fork, and stay for the campaign numbers.