The Kiwanis Club of Paris-Brant has stepped away from hosting Springtime in Paris.
“While we remain a very vibrant club with many other projects and programs in support of the children in Brant County, sadly the Kiwanis Club of Paris-Brant is no longer in a position to host Springtime in Paris,” Stan Hutchinson, the club’s public relations and marketing chair, said in a statement.
He said groups or organizations interested in taking over the event can contact the club at [email protected] .
The club’s decision to step away from the event is the result of several factors. including the COVID-19 pandemic, said Hutchinson.
The pandemic forced the event’s cancellation in 2020 and in 2021. And uncertainty surrounding public health restrictions last fall prevented the start of planning for this year’s event, Hutchinson said.
“The pandemic also set off a chain of events that impacted the ability of many of the principal organizers and others to continue on with its planning and execution going forward.”
The two-day festival, held the first weekend of June, usually begins with the release of 100 newly hatched painted lady butterflies. It features music, games, play areas, vendors and food.
In good years, Springtime in Paris attracts as many as 10,000 people.
The event was started by Kindred Spirits Artisans and was first held in 1989 to promote Paris, including its historic architecture.
Brant Mayor David Bailey said county council would like to hear from organizers.
“I personally love Springtime in Paris,” Bailey said.
“We would more than welcome the organizers to bring their ideas to council for discussion and consideration with the hope we can find a solution to move it forward.”
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