YEAR IN REVIEW - 2023

** The OPP closed down Grand River Street North to accommodate the large crowd that gathered to watch the Tree Lighting Ceremony and enjoy all the festive activities and sales offered by local merchants during the Annual Jingle Bell Night. Paris Performers Theatre group were one of several carolers that evening (pictured above).

**The mayor and some councillors welcome Up Yoga + Wellness to Paris at its grand opening on Dundas Street East

** The Paris Figure Skating Club announces that it’s celebrating its 60th anniversary this season and they’re doing so by paying homage to its history by inviting alumni to return for a special Gala to celebrate.

**The Paris Performers Theatre announces a series of Cabaret performances to help fundraise money to save the local theatre group, which has deep roots in the community for several decades. After falling on some hard financial times, the group launches a successful GoFundMe campaign, several fundraisers and elects a new executive Stay tuned for more details!

** The Paris Agricultural Society dropped a pretty big announcement - Dallas Smith and Russell Dickerson will be headlining the July 5 & 6, 2024 River ‘N’ Roots festival, which take place at the Paris Fairgrounds.

** The U11 Rep team (pictured above), sponsored by Pelton Transportation, secured the Gold medal (AGAIN!) at the Rob Johnson Memorial Tournament held in Paris. The Wolfpack handily won three round robin games to advance to the quarter finals where they clobbered Elmvale 11-0. They outplayed the Oxford Storm 8-2 in the semifinals and downed local rivals, the Burford Coyotes, 6-1 in the finals.

** A $3 million upgrade is proposed for the Track and Field behind Paris District High School The Grand Erie School Board presented plans for a new and improved 6-lane track around the field that will be lined with artificial turf, a new high jump apron, long and triple jump facility, a new scoreboard, school logos in the end zones and centre field and LED lighting for the field and spectator seating for up to 200 people.

December

**Santa made his first holiday visit to Paris during the Kiwanis Club of Paris’ annual Breakfast with Santa. Families gathered at the St. James Parish Hall for two sold out seatings – just to catch a glimpse of the Big Man himself!

**The County of Brant is pleased to announce that Darryl Lee will be appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Brant Municipal Enterprises (BME) starting January 2024. Continued on page 30