It’s time to break out a pair of your favourite stretchy pants.
The world of comfort foods will be colliding as the Great Canadian Buttertart Festival and Mac N Cheese Fest combine for one epic weekend during the Paris Night Market on Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23 at the Paris Fairgrounds.
All Canadian Events, run by mother-daughter duo Christine and Diana Ivany, are combining two events into one in what they describe as “carb-heavy shenanigans.”
The family-run business has hosted a number of similar events in the area for nearly 20 years as a way to give back to the community.
“We have lived in Paris for 22 years and we love everything about our town,” the duo said. “We do what we do to support as many small businesses as we can but also bring excitement to everyone who comes out. Our events are unique in a way because we cater them to all ages. It is just a safe space to have a good time.”
Past events have attracted crowds from near and far, seeing anywhere from 8,000 to 15,000 attendees over a weekend. Organizers said that even with the crowds, there will be more than enough comfort foods and fun to go around.
“There will be 22 Mac N Cheese Masters in trucks and tents, both indoor and outdoor, and they are some of the best in the region,” the Ivanys said. “We also have 25 bakers and 80 artisan and maker vendors. There will be plenty of small businesses to check out to get your steps in while you burn off festival calories.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring their friends and family, a blanket or chair, and their comfiest clothing for a “diet-free weekend.”
“When planning out this event, we knew ButterTarts & Mac N Cheese are the ideal combo for comfort foods and we know we all need comfort as we rise out of Covid,” the organizers said. “For this weekend, we are basically the culinary capital of the region and hope everyone comes out to enjoy the day.”
The festival takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23 at the Paris Fairgrounds. Admission into the festival is $5 per person, cash only. Children under 12 are free.
