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Sneak Peak: What’s new this year?

By Casandra Turnbull

The Paris Fall Fair is returning this year with a full lineup of events that will appeal to all residents looking to enjoy the same family-fun entertainment that's been the cornerstone of Agricultural Society for over 150 years.

The 2020 fair was cancelled but returned in 2021 with an abbreviated line up of events and plenty of Covid-related restrictions. Despite the uncertainty, fairgoers packed the grounds to take advantage of the annual tradition. This year, people will be relieved to know the fair is back in all its glory to formally mark the end of summer, giving people the chance to gather where friends meet! So, let's take a sneak peak at what's new in 2022. The gates off Oak Ave will be closed to pedestrians in order to provide emergency access for first responders, also to safe guard pedestrians who normally line up on Oak Ave for admission. Pedestrians will need to access the fair from the centennial gates (where the sidewalk ends on Silver Street). Organizers renovated the gatehouse this year to welcome pedestrians who normally enter off Oak Ave. Please note this is the only entrance earmarked for pedestrians.

Picture of 2021 Paris Fair by Michelle Malvaso

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Wednesday continues to be free admission night and Campbells Amusements is offering discounted rides on both Wednesday Thursday evenings. In the past, thrill seekers took advantage of $2 rides. This year, tickets will remain at $2, however, some rides will require one or two tickets.

There are some changes to how you can watch the country show concerts this year. There will be a general admission area and a general admission area that is licensed. Both will be located directly in front of the main concert stage for first-hand seats to all the action. Note there is a $20 charge to watch the concerts from the licensed area (the new Beer Gardens). "We've been asked for several years to move the beer garden closer to the stage. We have moved the stage instead," shared Cheryl Muir, Manager of the Paris Agricultural Society. "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," she continued. Additional security will be in place to ensure it remains safe and enjoyable for everyone.

In an effort to highlight local talent and volunteers who contribute to the success of the fair and other events in Paris, the opening ceremonies will feature

Did you know that ride tickets are available Monday to Friday at the Paris Fairgrounds office? Photo by Michelle Malvaso two prominent Paris residents who recently retired from many years in community service. You'll have to pop into the grandstands Thursday night to find out who they are! Speaking of agricultural family, this year will feature a special tribute to long-time performers Walt and Bill Williams, who you might recognize as the faces behind Trans Canada Hell Drivers, Thrill Show Productions Ltd and Canada's #1

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Demolition Derby. An entire building will be filled with Road Warriors memorabilia and Walt will be on hand to sell and sign his book 'Never Say Never,' while sharing stories of adventures with his late brother Bill.

"They have been performing at the fair for over 30 years and have become a part of the Paris Ag Family. We wanted to do something special to honour their dedication to the sport and for their support of our agricultural fair," said Muir.

Other new entertainment news includes the addition of an Open Mic Night on Friday at the exhibition hall, in lieu of the traditional Talent Show. Since the Western Fair is not hosting the Talent Show finals this year, the Paris Fair committee decided to introduce something new and exciting that still showcases talent within our community. Stay tuned as we feature a specific story on Paris Fair Entertainment in our August 13 issue. But make sure you mark your calendar for a special BINGO game in the hall on Sunday at 2:30 pm and yes the Baby Show is returning on Monday with a slight expansion to introduce a new class open to newborns.

Needless to say, a lot of time and effort is put into organizing five days packed with family-fun and adventures. In addition to finding entertainers and vendors at industry conventions, Paris Fair committee members also network with other fair committees in surrounding communities to find out what works and what doesn't work.

"Our mission remains the same - to educate and promote agriculture and to entertain the community. However, as the interests and demographics of our community change and technology advances in agriculture, so must our events and exhibits and entertainment to not only keep the attention of our visitors but also to ensure that we are offering education that is up to day," said Muir.

Get your Tickets!

Fair tickets, including the traditional 5-day passports are available online at www.ticketscene.ca/parisfair or are available at the following locations: Paris Fair office, Northville Pharmacy (300 Grand River St N), Rest Acres Pharmacy (1080 Rest Acres Rd), St. George Hardware (48 A Main Street in St. George) and the Community Health Hub Pharmacy (25 Curtis Ave N).

New Aler t! New Aler t!

Open Mic Night Friday!

Discounted rides Wednesday & Thursday!