What to expect from the 166th Annual Paris Fair

By Casandra Turnbull

With just weeks to go before all the familiar sights, sounds and smells of the Paris Fair return to the fairgrounds, the Paris Independent is breaking down what’s happening this year so you can plan ahead and make the most out of your visit.

First and foremost, if you’re planning to go to the Fair, which runs August 31 to September 4th, stop what you’re doing now and get your tickets. If you buy in advance, between now and August 31st at noon, admission and ride tickets are discounted One day passes for over 16 years of age are $18 (savings of $2), juniors 6-15 years old are $8 and kids five and under are still free. And if you really love the fair and find there’s something to do everyday, take advantage of the adult weekend passports for $50 and junior passports $20. Ride tickets are on special now until August 31st for a sheet of 20 tickets for $15. After that the price jumps up to $25 for 20 tickets. Toonie day is on Wednesday, August 30 and Thursday, August 31. Ride tickets are $2 each those nights only and each ride will require just one or two tickets. Discounted passes and ride tickets are available at the Paris Fairgrounds office, Northville Pharmacy, Rest Acres Pharmacy, Cowan Community Health Hub and St George Hardware

There’s no better place to start than opening night On August 31st , MP Will Bouma lead open ceremonies held at the grandstands at 7 pm followed by the

Demo Derby Figure 8 at 7:30 pm (yes, that’s changed from the typical Saturday night now, in case you’re wondering). If you’re looking for a quieter option, consider heading into the Exhibition Centre to catch the 56th Annual Paris Fair Ambassador Competition that also starts at 7 pm One contestant will emerge as the new 2023 Ambassador, who you will see at various events throughout the Fair weekend

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1ST

SCOREBOARD FEBRUARY 16 – FEBRUARY 23

Friday, September 1st brings a whole lot of excitement right from the time the gates open at 9 am. Remember, the midway doesn’t open until noon so kill a bit of time checking out the exhibit halls and vendors or meet a real lift princess as The Glass Slipper company wanders the grounds. The Brant County 4H Dairy Show opens at 10 am, and speaking of pets, check out the pet show at 1:30 pm

Registration for the show opens at 1 pm and children 14 years and under are invited to participate. Children get to show their pet unassisted and can enter a variety of categories and classes from the pet that most resembles the Paris Agricultural Society President and Fair Ambassador to the largest cat, most exotic live pet, dog with the most unique markings and even a special pet and owner dress alike contest. Cont’d pg. 8

This youngster favourite is presented by Ayr Home Hardware, Paris Vet Clinic, Paris Pet Valu and The Paris Dog Parlour. Click here to find a list of contest rules and how to enter.

If you’re craving some whole-hearted family entertainment, The Great Circus Dubois brings its high-energy act to the stage. The award-winning combination of Michael DuBois and Viktoria Grimmy showcase incredible feats of juggling, hula hoops, unicycle, aerial, circus stunts, contortion, magic and audience interaction.

Free style motocross is back in action, another Paris Fair staple, says Amy Warner, General Manager of the Paris Agricultural Society. This is Warner’s first Paris Fair She stepped into the General Manager role earlier this year.

Finally, what better way to end the fun-filled first day than exhibiting your own unique talents during the amateur open mic night at 7 pm in the Exhibition Centre. You must preregister for this event in advance through the Fair’s website

If you like the sounds of engines revving, be at the main grandstands by 7:30 pm to catch the Demo Derby mini smash and pro stock show.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

Since the midway doesn’t open until noon, get in touch with the fair’s agricultural roots and watch the Brant County 4H Beef Club Show at 10 am at the cattle rings, followed by the youth horse show in the valley at noon. New this year, says Warner is that the Beef Show is a double qualifier for both Agribition, and Exhibition.