Paris Hatch Chile Fest 2022

Hatch Chile fest returns to Market Square on Saturday, September 3, beginning at 8:00 am. Roasted hatch chiles from New Mexico, mariachi music, kids games, and burger sliders are all part of the festivities that have become the most popular day at Market Square.

Vendors Ron Preusse and Harold Cook bring their specialized chile roasters on that day. Once they fire up the roasters, the delicious aroma of fire-roasted hatch chiles permeates the market pavilion. Ron and Harold are the go-to people for Hatch Chile’s,” says Cheri Bedford, Farmers Market Manager. “They are familiar with the southwestern delicacy and want to share this experience with others.”

To ensure the freshest chiles available, a team of folks will head out to New Mexico the week before the event to bring back the 2100 lbs of fresh chiles. This year Ron plans on roasting till 3:00 pm or until all the chiles sell out. “I will be here a little longer this year to try to serve the public, says Ron. We bring back more chiles every year and sell out.” Beginning at 10:30 am. Main Street volunteers will serve burger sliders made with Paris Bakery fresh-made buns. Fresh Hatch chiles will top the sliders and be available while supplies last, and they accept your donations to make improvements at the farmer’s market.

Entertainment by Mariachi Quetzal, a mariachi band from Denton, Texas, will add to the Southwestern-themed day. The band will serenade patrons from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm. Quetzal has played at venues in the Dallas/Fort Worth area such as The Kessler Theater, The Granada Theater, Dan’s Silverleaf, The Murchison Performing Arts Center, and The Meyerson Symphony Center. Mariachi Quetzal has played at Hatch Chile Fest every year since the event started in 2015. Their music is a highlight for event-goers.

Free Farmers Market reusable bags will give out to individuals while supplies last. Participating vendors are adding Hatch chiles to their recipes and products to add to the fun. The 2022 Hatch Chile Fest T-shirts will be for sale, and there will also be activities for kiddos. For a full schedule, check the Market Square Farmers Market Facebook page.

This event is in its seventh year and has continued to grow yearly. Organizers are looking for ways to expand the festival to include other opportunities next year. “You can buy canned green chile, but you can’t buy the smell of the fresh chile’s roasting, the feel of the charred skin, or enjoy the incredible taste of a fresh roasted Hatch Green Chile unless you come to see for yourself,” says Ron Preusse.

For more information or to volunteer for the event, please contact Cheri Bedford at 903-784-9293 or email mainstreet@paristexas.gov.