Despite heavy rain leading up to the event, Paris Steak Wars 2025 proved that a strong community and great steak are a well-done combination.
Hundreds of attendees supported the sizzling event, raising funds for the Downtown Food Pantry.
This year was a milestone, and the 5th Annual Paris Steak Wars welcomed more cook-off teams than ever, with 157 competitors representing 38 cook-off teams. PSW was supported and funded by 38 local sponsors and over 100 volunteers working behind the scenes.
“After four years of picture-perfect weather, we saw the forecast looking less-than ideal and knew we had to make a tough decision this year,” said Iron Communities vice President Lea Emerson. “To our surprise, everyone responded incredibly positively regarding the date change. Our community was instantly onboard and showed up to ensure the event was still successful.”
Featuring live music by Stoney Musgrove Band, Bulletproof, Common Ground, and Tanner Legg and the Heaters, the sounds of Paris Steak Wars echoed throughout the Love Civic Center parking lot with more than 1000 guests in attendance.
Throughout the day, teams served 22 different appetizers, and a total of 1551 steaks were dished out to attendees.
The 2025 Winners Circle included Paris EMS (Third Place), People’s Bank (second place), and the Grand Champion, Signature Home Health.
The award-winning team Beef and Beer took home the appetizer trophy, and 12 Volt Pros won the ever coveted People’s Choice Trophy.
All winners generously donated their cash prize winnings to the Downtown Food Pantry.
The real winners of Steak Wars, however, are the families served by the Downtown Food Pantry.
Executive Director Allan Hubbard shared the impact of the event, stating, “The generosity of everyone involved in this fun event is really going to be felt by those in need who will get more groceries to feed their families. We’re super thankful not only to South Main Iron and Iron Communities for putting it on despite the bad weather but to the cooking teams and everyone who braved the cold rain to buy a ticket and eat the amazing steak.”
Through sponsorships, ticket sales, raffles, and donations, Paris Steak Wars 2025 raised a total of $20,537 for the Downtown Food Pantry.
Kris Estep, President of Iron Communities, expressed gratitude for the longstanding support. “We couldn’t do this without our sponsors, cooking teams, and judges who step up every year. Their dedication is the secret ingredient that keeps this event sizzling.”
Rain or shine, Paris Steak Wars proved once again that this community knows how to bring the heat. It was a seariously good time.
ABOUT PARIS STEAK WARS: Paris Steak Wars is an annual steak cook-off competition presented by South Main
Iron and organized by Iron Communities.
ABOUT IRON COMMUNITIES: Iron Communities is a local non-profit whose mission is to bring the community
together through local events that generate contributions to other local nonprofits while providing events that increase the quality of life in Lamar County.
Photo: DeadCat
