Things are returning to normal for at the 164th edition of the Paris Fair.
A fall tradition that runs from Sept. 1 to 5, this year’s event has none of the restrictions put in place last year because of the pandemic. The fair was canceled in 2020, a victim of COVID-19.
“We’re happy to get through that,” said Cheryl Muir, manager of the Paris Agricultural Society. “We had a pretty successful fair last year but it was difficult.”
Although the fair officially opens on Sept. 1, Aug. 31 is free admission night.
“Only the wrinkles are open,” said Muir. “It’s a good way for Campbell’s Amusements to slowly open.”
Muir said that Wednesday and Thursday nights have been Toonie Nights, with all rides costing $2, for more than five years. This year, ride tickets are $2, with all rides requiring either one or two tickets.
“It’s still a big discount,” said Muir.
Town of Paris founder Hiram Capron supported the first Paris Fair in 1858 as a way for the community to get together and see the trends of the time. It has become a popular Labor Day weekend tradition for thousands of families, an event that marks the end of summer.
There’s lots that’s new at this year’s Paris Fair, which attracts about 50,000 visitors over five days.
New events include:
- Road Warriors, a tribute to Thrill Show Productions, is a building filled with memorabilia from more than 50 years of hell drivers and demolition derbies. Walt Williams will be there to sell and sign his book and share stories about his late brother Bill.
- Open Mic is in the exhibition hall on Friday night. “Traditionally, we had a talent show and winners of classes went on to finals at the Western Fair in September,” said Muir. “Western Fair is not hosting it this year but we wanted to still feature local talent – comics, singing, dancing and musical entertainment.”
- All About Science is a blend of education and entertainment that includes audience participation.
- Circus Dubois is a fast-paced circus performance showcasing juggling, hula hoops, unicycles, aerial, circus stunts, contortion and magic.
- Local band My Brother the Lion will perform in the beer garden on Saturday night.
- Family entertainers Erick Traplin and Barry O’Show will perform.
- Bingo will be in the hall on Sunday at 2:30 pm
- The baby show returns after two-year absence with classes expanded to include newborns to 24 months.
- Staff from Paris Veterinarian Group will host a Teddy Bear wellness check on Saturday from 1 pm to 4 pm in kiddie land. Bring your stuffed animal for a vet check and receive a sticker.
Daily attractions include livestock and equestrian competitions; agricultural exhibits, including animal displays; food vendors; the midway; freestyle motocross shows; monster truck rides; and Homecraft meals.
Concerts — Aaron Goodvin on Sept. 2 and The Washboard Union on Sept. 4 — are included in the daily admission price. But concert-goers can get closer to the performers by booking space in Party in the Beer Garden for an extra $20.
“We have been asked for several years to move the beer gardens closer to the stage,” said Muir. “We have moved the stage instead. Everyone has an equal opportunity to be close to the stage. It’s a matter of whether you want to enjoy an alcoholic beverage or not. Only those 19 and over will be allowed in the fenced area. We have hired additional security to ensure this remains a safe and enjoyable option.”
Goodvin is a Canadian-American country music singer and songwriter who was born in Spirit River, Alta. He has charted multiple singles on the Billboard Canada Country charts, including the No. 1 hits You Are and Boy Like Me, and the double platinum-certified Lonely Drum.
The Washboard Union is a country music group from Vancouver.
Performing throughout the fair are Extreme Dogs; All About Science; kids’ pedal tractor pull; and Circus Dubois.
Muir said there are thousands of entries into dozens of fair competitions – everything from quilt making to pickling, along with livestock contests.
Demolition derbies, a fair favourite, will be held on Sept. 1 and 3. Gate admission includes general seating for the shows.
Buy tickets and see a full lineup of events at www.parisfairgrounds.com
highlights
Paris Fair highlights include:
• Sept. 1 — Midway opens at 6 pm with $2 ride tickets; Exhibit halls, displays, vendors open (6 pm); Brant-Wentworth Holstein Show (6:15 p.m.); official fair opening (7 p.m.); ambassador contest (7:15 pm), and Figure 8 Demolition Derby (7:30 pm).
• Sept. 2 – Exhibit buildings, displays and vendors open (10 am); Brant County 4-H Dairy Show (10 a.m.); pet show (1:30 p.m.); freestyle motocross (3 pm), cow milking demonstration (4 pm); Homecraft meatloaf dinner served until 7 pm
• Sept. 3 – Exhibit buildings, displays and vendors open (10 am); Ontario barrel racing competitions (10 am); Brant County 4-H Beef Club Show (10 a.m.); Glass Slipper and Company Snow Princess Show (10:30 am); youth horse and pony show (noon); family entertainment with Erick Traplin (1pm); Homecraft chicken dinner served until 7 pm; demolition derby – pro stock and mini smash (6 pm); freestyle motocross (8 p.m.); My Brother the Lion in the Beer Garden (8:30 p.m.).
• Sept. 4 – Exhibit buildings, displays and vendors open (10 am); goat show (10 am); Ontario barrel racing competitions (10 am); family entertainment with Erick Traplin (1pm); bingo (2:30 p.m.); family entertainment with the Barry O’Show (7 p.m.); Washboard Union Concert (8 p.m.).
• Sept. 5 – Exhibit buildings, displays and vendors open (10 am); Heavy horse show (9 am); baby show – ages three to 24 months (9:30 am); sheep show (10 am); Road Warriors building opens (10 am); Brant-Norfolk Jersey Parish Show (noon); North American six horse hitch classic series (1 pm); baby show – newborn to 12 months (1:30 pm).