The following was submitted by the Belleville Downtown BIA.
The heart of downtown Belleville is set to beat with a vibrant rhythm as two beloved community events, Savour the Chill and Belleville Downtown DocFest, join forces for a cultural celebration like no other.
Savour the Chill Returns for its 20th Year:
The much-anticipated Savour the Chill soup competition is making a triumphant return to the heart of downtown Belleville for its 20th year. This culinary extravaganza, featuring 20 downtown restaurants, promises to be a celebration of community, camaraderie, and, of course, delicious soup!
The 20th edition of Savour the Chill is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 24, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Regardless of the weather, Downtown Belleville will be buzzing with the aroma of top notch soups. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own spoons to reduce waste and prepare for a culinary adventure. Spoon kits will also be for sale, and all proceeds will go to The Community Development Council of Quinte (CDC Quinte).
Participating downtown restaurants include Sweet Retreat, Frosty Bubble Bliss, L’auberge de France, The Upfront Gallery and Cafe, Bourbon Street Pizza, Tiger Chicken and Ribs, “Bay Leaf” aka Export Grill, Burger Revolution, Capers, The Smokin 116 Bistro, Tropical Blends, The Lark, Quinte Corners, Paulos/Dinkel’s, Toro Sushi, Gourmet Diem, City Belle Pub, Obis Kitchen, Belleville House of Prayer, La Favorita, and Mr. Zeds.
This year’s event will continue its tradition of the People’s Choice Award, voted by soup samplers, and the Judges’ Choice Award, determined by a panel of judges from the community. Mayor Neil Ellis, Police Chief Mike Callaghan, Chef Karin from Loyalist College, and Brenda from Bay of Quinte Pop-Ups who was one of the founders of the original Savour The Chill event, will be among the judges. QR codes will be distributed in businesses to vote, and the link can also be found on the Downtown Belleville socials and website.
“Amidst the winter’s frost, Downtown Belleville’s 20th Savour the Chill Soup Competition is set to warm both hearts and bowls” says Danielle Hanoman, Downtown District BIA Executive Director. “In partnership with the Community Development Council of Quinte and Belleville Downtown DocFest, we celebrate not just the culinary delights but also the unity and warmth this event brings to our community. Here’s to twenty years of flavourful soups and countless memories shared in the heart of our beloved downtown.”
Savour the Arts with Belleville Downtown DocFest:
Simultaneously, Belleville Downtown DocFest announces the Local Filmmaker Spotlight films for this year’s festival, adding a layer to the city’s cultural tapestry. These films, selected from submissions by local filmmakers, showcase stories and personalities from our community. The Local Filmmaker Spotlight films will play both in-person and online.
“Our region is home to a number of incredible filmmakers,” said Holly Dewar, Belleville Downtown DocFest Board Chair. “DocFest is proud to give these artists a platform to share their work with audiences across Ontario, supporting their ability to make a living from their art.” DocFest also provides local filmmakers an opportunity to network with others and pays independent and local filmmakers to screen their films.
Sponsoring this year’s Local Filmmaker Spotlight and the Loyalist College Student Documentary Event is the Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board, further emphasizing the collaborative spirit within the community.
The Local Filmmaker Spotlight will culminate with the “Best Local Film” prizes being awarded at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 25, at the Empire Theatre. All in-person pass holders are invited to attend.
Belleville’s Cultural Fusion:
These two iconic events unite to create a vibrant cultural fusion in Belleville – a thriving community with a rich tapestry of culture, arts, and culinary delights. Savour the Chill embodies the spirit of a strong, safe, and vibrant community, while Belleville Downtown DocFest adds the cinematic touch, showcasing the talents of local filmmakers.
Join us for a delightful afternoon and evening in Downtown Belleville – have fun, be kind, and relish the incredible flavours and stories that Savour the Chill and DocFest bring to our community.
Event Details:
Savour the Chill: Saturday, February 24, 2024, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Downtown Belleville
DocFest Local Filmmaker Spotlight: February 15 – February 25, 2024, various locations, including the Empire Theatre
