The aroma of fresh roasted Hatch Chile’s is expected to permeate the Farmers Market downtown Paris, Texas.
On September 5th beginning at 9:00 a.m. the Market Square located at 400 SW 1st Street, the New Mexico experience of roasting hatch chile peppers will commence, and the public is invited to attend and learn more about Hatch Chiles that are a huge part of the culture of the southwest.
Two Market Square regular vendors, Ron Preusse and Mike Head will bring their chili roasters and will be roasting chiles and selling them fresh that day.
Beginning at 10:30 a.m. Main Street volunteers will grill up slider sized chile burgers, made with items found from local market vendors such as Slankers Grass fed beef and Paris Bakery fresh made buns. Roasted Hatch chiles and special green chili sauce created by Phat Phil BBQ will top the sliders. The sliders will make a great light snack, and will be available while supplies last, donations accepted.
The event to showcase the Hatch Chiles was planned earlier this year by Ron and Kathy Benton Preusse. The couple is very familiar with the southwestern delicacy and wanted to share their experience with others. “Talking with many people over the last few years at the Paris Farmers Market, those familiar with New Mexico Chiles and those just very interested, I thought, Let’s just bring the experience to Paris.” says Mr. Preusse.
Entertainment by Mariachi Quetzal, a mariachi band from Denton, Texas will add to the Southwestern themed day. The band will serenade patrons from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Quetzal has played at various venues in the Dallas/Forth 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 been nominated several times, and has won a Dallas Observer Music Award for best Latin group.
Other events though out the day include chile themed items from participating vendor tables, fry bread demonstration and kid’s activities. For a full schedule check the Market Square Farmers Market Facebook page.
Organizers hope to make this an annual event at the Market Square in September. “You can buy canned green chile but you can’t buy the smell of the fresh chile` roasting, the feel of the charred skin or the incredible taste of a fresh roasted Hatch Green Chile” states Kathy Benton. Come and see for yourself, she suggests.