Community event at City Hall will feature local restaurants, live music and a charity fundraiser
CAMBRIDGE, Ont. — A popular community fundraiser is returning to Cambridge after a seven-year absence, bringing local restaurants, residents and city leaders together in support of a charitable cause.
The Mayor’s Soup Sampler will return to Cambridge City Hall on March 28 for the first time since 2019. The event — now branded as Souper G.O.A.T.’s (Greatest of All Time Community Soup Showdown) — will feature a variety of soups prepared by local restaurants, with proceeds supporting the Meals on Wheels program run by Community Support Connections.
City officials say the event aims to reconnect the community while raising funds for services that help vulnerable residents maintain independence and wellbeing.
“I am happy to see this event brought back for 2026 and invite residents to come out and taste a variety of soups crafted by local restaurants while at the same time supporting a meaningful cause,” said Mayor Jan Liggett. “I myself can’t wait to sample all the offerings of our local culinary talent, connect with the community and support an organization that provides essential services to residents.”
The fundraiser will run from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 28 at Cambridge City Hall, 50 Dickson Street, with activities taking place in the Bowman Room and the Atrium. Tickets will be available online ahead of the event and can also be purchased in person on the day.
Organizers say attendees will be able to sample a wide range of soups prepared by participating local restaurants and culinary partners. The event will also feature live music and friendly competition among participating chefs.
A judging panel will evaluate the entries to determine the top soup of the event, while attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite in a People’s Choice category.
The return of the event marks a significant moment for the city’s community programming calendar. The Mayor’s Soup Sampler had become a popular annual tradition before being paused in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
City officials say its revival in 2026 reflects both the return of in-person community gatherings and continued support for local charitable organizations.
Community Support Connections, the charity benefiting from the fundraiser, provides a range of services designed to help older adults and individuals with disabilities remain healthy and independent in their homes.
The organization’s programs focus on four main areas: nutrition, physical health, social wellbeing and help at home. Among its most widely recognized services is Meals on Wheels, which delivers nutritious meals to residents who may face barriers to preparing food themselves.
Demand for such services has grown in recent years as communities across Ontario respond to an aging population and increased need for accessible support services.
Local fundraising initiatives such as the Mayor’s Soup Sampler play an important role in supporting those programs while also raising awareness of the services available to residents.
Beyond its charitable impact, the event is expected to highlight Cambridge’s local culinary scene. Restaurants and food businesses participating in the competition will showcase their signature recipes, giving attendees a chance to sample a range of flavours and styles in one place.
Organizers say the combination of food, entertainment and community engagement is intended to make the event accessible to residents of all ages while strengthening connections between local businesses and the broader community.
City officials are encouraging residents to attend, noting that the event offers a simple way to support an important cause while enjoying an afternoon of food and entertainment.
Additional information and ticket details are available on the City of Cambridge website at cambridge.ca/SouperGoat.