10th annual Caledonia Community Chili Cook-Off raises record-breaking $55,000 for four children

by Haldimand Press Staff

April 23, 2026

By Randy Carter
The Haldimand Press

CALEDONIA—The public stepped up once again this year, with over 1,800 people attending the Caledonia Knights of Columbus’ 10th annual Community Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

CALEDONIA—Chili judge Trevor Stoyko samples an entry during the Caledonia Knights of Columbus’ 10th annual Community Chili Cook-Off, held April 18, 2026 at Caledonia’s Riverside Exhibition Centre. The event drew approximately 1,800 attendees and featured 24 chili submissions, with proceeds to be shared among four local recipient families. The event raised a record-breaking $55,000.

Altogether, the event brought in an amazing $55,000, which will the divided evenly between the four recipient families. This is a fundraising record for the event, surpassing last year’s total by about $10,000.

With the assistance of 100 volunteers, 150 sponsors, and 24 chili submissions, this year’s event went off without a hitch.

  • CALEDONIA—Mike Zyma (front) introduces the three official chili judges for the 2026 chili cook-off: (back, l-r) Dan Lawrence, Rabiya Azeez, and Trevor Stoyko.
  • CALEDONIA—Enjoying the chili samples were Pam Thomas (left) and Nicole LeVatte.
  • CALEDONIA—Lions Ed and Andrea Blain.
  • CALEDONIA—Jessic Smyth enjoyed the event with her children Liam (2.5) and Jade (6).
  • CALEDONIA—Mike Zyma presents a memorial plaque to Shawn and Liz Swayze, parents of former chili cook-off recipient Michael Swayze, who passed away December 11, 2025 at the age of 21 following a battle with cancer.
  • CALEDONIA—The OPP was on hand to promote their Auxiliary Program: (l-r) Aux. Member Beverly Petheram, Aux. Member Kevin Willis, Cst. Patti Cote, and Aux. Member Dustin Hine.
  • CALEDONIA—Caledonia Legion members Anna Frigault, David Colling, and Ken Burley.
  • CALEDONIA—Cassandra’s Highland Dance Studio from Brantford: (front row, l-r) Emma-Lee McCarrol (7), Charlotte Ting (7), (back row) Brianna McColl-Mitchell, Kayla Dawson, Cassandra Cuffe, and Mary Carriere.
  • CALEDONIA—Knights of Columbus members (l-r) Bill Klunder, Wes Poirier, and Dominic Ross. —Haldimand Press photos by Randy Carter.

The three judges – Councillor Dan Lawrence, Trevor Stoyko, and Rabiya Azeez – had their work cut out with so many tasty chilis to sample.

Once visitors entered the facility, they had a chance not only to enjoy the huge variety of tasty chilis and live entertainment, but to possibly win amazing prizes. The total value of the donated prizes was $20,000.

This year’s four recipients – Tanika Jacobs, Emery Maxwell, Avery Webster, and Matteo Zammuto – were in attendance and took to the stage to give a few words of gratitude.

See the April 9 Haldimand Press for an overview of the recipients’ needs.

The proceeds from the event were presented to the families on Tuesday, April 21 after publication. See next week’s paper for more.