Thornden Park Raises Funds With Chili

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — (CITRUSTV NEWS) On a chilly Syracuse afternoon, warmth filled Thornden Park’s Field House. There was live music, children playing and pots upon pots of chili. 

The Thornden Park Association hosted its 29th annual “Chili Bowl Festival,” where volunteers raised money for the park’s maintenance through selling chili, raffle tickets and even Thornden Park merchandise.

Money raised from the event supports youth sports, Discovery Day Camp, the Carriage House, playground improvements and more. 

“Thornden Park is a non-profit, so all of the money comes from fundraisers and donations. We get very little from the city…this is a great way to help keep the park open, keep the park restored,” Syracuse University student Isa Morales said. 

Morales has been volunteering at this event with her community service fraternity for four years. She says the lively community keeps her coming back.

The park sits on 76 acres of land and was founded in 1921, making it a historic landmark on Syracuse’s east side.

Alpha Phi Omega, a community service fraternity at Syracuse University, volunteers at this event every year, through which Morales found the Chili Bowl Festival.

On the day of the event, the fraternity spreads out its volunteers. Some are in the kitchen, while others make hot chocolate, and the remainder handle the raffle. 

Morales says four years ago the Chili Bowl Festival was a lot smaller, but it grew each year, with a sellout in year two. 

“The community has really come to love it. We have regulars now.” Morales said. 

Growth in community attendance came with growth in Alpha Phi Omega’s enthusiasm to volunteer as well. Morales said the signups filled up within days.

“Being able to be extra hands where the city and the park need us is also just really fulfilling,” she said.

Community members like Darius Gaines, a first-time attendee, said events like this are so important for Syracuse as a whole.

“Having something that brings people together in the wintertime is super important,” he said. “I always say there’s not a lot of things to do, but something like this proves that not to be true,”Gaines said. 

The impact of this festival extends beyond a single afternoon. A new walking trail is expected to open later this Spring serves as a physical representation of the effect community support can bring.

Reporter: Grace McCloskey