The Paris Independent free sample edition for Saturday October 9th, 2021

Kids thank their teachers! See story on Page 13

Check Out Seniors PDHS Panthers Football Home Opener Pages 10-11 Your Community Newspaper

The Paris Independent Saturday, October 9, 2021

Proudly Serving Paris & Area

FREE SAMPLE

THIS WEEK In Health

A pledge for community health hub, page 7 In Sports

PDHS Panthers Football pages 10 - 11 In Business

Cover Photos by: Michelle Malvaso

Local labour shortage page 15

PARIS FAIR RETURNS! SEE Pages 17 -19

Jack Kelly scores Paris’ first touchdown

County Offices Closed

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October 9, 2021

This week was Ontario Agriculture Week!

This week is Ontario Agriculture Week!

From October 4 – 10, 2021 we are encouraging all County of Brant residents to support the local agriculture community! Agriculture is one of the largest industries in the County of Brant with over 600 businesses.

Our new Farm and Market Guide highlights a variety of agri-businesses throughout the County of Brant that residents can support this week.

For more information and to view the guide, visit brant.ca/FarmGuide today! #BrantFarmsForAll

https://www.facebook.c om/investinbrant/videos /619236765905783

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October 9, 2021

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE CALENDAR

https://www.brant.ca/en/county-government/council-and-committee-calendar.aspx

Policy Development and Strategic Direction Committee Tuesday, October 12, 2021 @ 6:00 PM Electronic Participation only

Brant County Council - Special Meeting Tuesday, October 12, 2021 @ 8:00 PM Electronic Participation only

Publisher Managing Editor Advertising Sales Photographer Web Designer Reporter

Chris Whelan Casandra Turnbull Chris Whelan Michelle Malvaso Levi Myers Bailey Zimmer

STATEMENT We are a non profit organization made up of like minded volunteers from our community with the main purpose of providing our community of Paris and area with a trustworthy and reliable source of community news. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of everything we publish, we regret any errors that may occur. We limit our liability to that of printing a retraction upon notification of such errors in the next available publication. Our mail and Email addresses are listed below:

Published Weekly on Saturday

PO BOX 99900 LA 012 395 STN MAIN PARIS, ON, CANADA N3L 0C3 Email: theparisindependent@gmail.com

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October 9, 2021

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The paris independent

COMMENT

Email: theparisindependent@gmail.com

Twitter: @parisnews

X

LETTER TO FROM THE EDITOR Local News Matters.

That’s the phrase we’ve adopted at your newly formed, non-profit, community source for news: The Paris Independent.

If you’re new to Paris, welcome.

We hope to be your first stop for anything Paris-related. If you’re a long-time/lifetime resident of Paris, think back to the days of The Paris Star or Paris this Week, where all news was confined to local only.

This is the type of local voice we hope to recreate.

In 2011, I worked for The Paris Star, one of many community newspapers on Post Media’s chopping block. The writing was on the wall, and it became apparent it was time to decide, move up the Post Media ladder to a larger paper or leave the profession. In the end I made the decision to leave.

The creativeness, uniqueness, warmth of a small community, appreciation for coverage were all things that only a small paper can provide – and that’s where my interests were – at a small-town paper. I had no desire to be Bob Woodward or Carl Bernstein and Paris is what made me fall in love with reporting when I arrived in this community in 2004 fresh out of college with a Journalism diploma in hand.

It was this community!

Fast forward 10 years and I’m just as excited as I was the first day I arrived in Paris and followed Andrea Demeer around town like a lost cat. She showed me the ropes of this community and guided my freshman hands as I learned the ins and outs, the pulse

if you will, of Paris. When presented with the opportunity to become involved, I was dedicated before I sent Chris my first message. Chris had a vision to bring back the local news that is desperately needed in this growing community and I couldn’t agree more.

Enough about me, let’s talk about you! The Paris Independent is here for you. We want to connect the community and as I mentioned above, be your one stop shop for all Paris related matters. Social media is a grab bag of goodies when it comes to finding local news/events/notices.

Four different sources later, perhaps you have the answer you sought, bought is it accurate? Why are you finding conflicting answers?

Did your neighbour mention a community sale, Panthers Football game, Paris Night Market, but you can’t locate the details? That is when you turn to The Paris Independent!

Feel free to email us at theparisindependent@gmail.com to notify us of an upcoming event or to request a photographer. Do you have a way with words and the gift of gab? Try submitting your own article by emailing us with your community news (please note that a copy editor will review the article for accuracy, spelling/grammar and length depending on available space). If you’ve got an idea, we want to hear it. Remember, this is a local newspaper so we will only cover/print events in Paris. We are not looking for sensational news headlines on controversial topics.

There is enough of that information available everywhere.

We just want local news.

The Paris Independent will release a digital online newspaper once a week on Saturday mornings. You will notice that we will maintain a strong social media presence daily as we present news items and stories on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We also invite local businesses to advertise in our weekly digital paper or be an elite sponsor of our online segments such as The Community Calendar, Athlete of the Week, Real Estate this Week, Paris Minor Hockey news, etc. Email us to find out more about our rates and how to become involved.

Watch for our website to become live in the next few weeks as well.

Local news is the heartbeat of every community. We look forward to bringing that back to Paris and the sense of community connection it brings.

Casandra Turnbull Managing Editor The Paris Independent

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October 9, 2021

THANK GOODNESS WE HAVE COMPUTERS NOW!

Paris Past By Chris Whelan A man named John Harold was born in Brantford in 1873 and he came to Paris in 1902 and started a company with another Brantford man named John Sanderson.

The company was called Sanderson-Harold and they started making screen doors and one of the first companies in the refrigeration business (ice boxes). Today that same factory is known as Paris Kitchens and it is located up in the Junction on Railway Lane where it was built after a fire in 1906 destroyed the original factory on Capron St..

Mr. Harold had three sons that worked in the business and they all served in the first world war but his fourth child was his daughter Muriel and she would grow up and marry John “Jack” Pickell in 1936 and together they owned and operated the Paris Star newspaper from 1944 until 1970.

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John P. Pickell, Owner and Editor of The Paris Star, 1944-1970, D.A. Smith Photograph Collection, 1999.1248.01, Paris Museum and Historical Society

Mr. & Mrs. Pickell recalled in an interview with the Paris Library Mr. Pickell: “When we started out in the newspaper we had pretty primitive machinery and everything was set by hand. All the news and ads had to be picked out of type cases and set in lines like mirror readingsset backwards and upside down and across the columns of type. All I could set by hand was about two columns of news in a day”.

Mrs. Pickell: “I became proficient at that. Through the years I was always interested in the news and helping him for two years from 1944 to 1946 when he was very

understaffed. There was Jack, Margaret Brontmeyer who ran the linotype and whoever we could gather in that might give us some time and I was reading proofs. Well, then Brian was born in 1946 so I resigned and went back in 1959 and I worked twelve years in reading the proofs and gathering news I wasn't completely useless!”.

Mr. Pickell: “We used to set everything by hand at first and then we finally bought a linotype which was a greet advance because you could set the type in a line at a time so it was much easier than picking all the type out and putting it back in the cases afterwards”

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October 9, 2021

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

Visiting with the kids at Holy Family childcare centre

By Chris Whelan This week was Fire Prevention Week October 3 – 9, 2021.

Officer Tom Waldschmidt introduced this years theme “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety”, and discusses smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and how they keep your family safe in a video posted on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/BrantF D/videos/576199793631862

County of Brant fire prevention officer, Doug Kellam a director with the Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officers Association explains. “When you hear your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm beeping, it's time to put your home escape plan into action, and leave the building. Once outside, stay outside, and call 9-1-1”

“There are different alert sounds that may come from your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Is it a beep, or a chirp? When your alarm chirps, it can be irritating, and sometimes difficult to find which alarm is making the noise. Replace your batteries at least annually, and know when it's time to replace the entire alarm.” says Kellam

Tom Waldschmidt, is a fire prevention officer for Brant, and he urges residents to ensure there are working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on all levels of their homes.

He also posted a message on Twitter summarizing sounds alarms make.

“Working smoke alarms make three beeps when they go into alarm,” Waldschmidt stated.

“Carbon monoxide alarms make four beeps.

“When both are in need of maintenance or have reached their end of life, they make a single beep, or what’s called the chirp.”

County Fire Prevention Officers are also urging area residents to consider using flameless candles in their Hallowe’en pumpkins & decorations this year as another simple, economical, preventative measure to avoid unwanted accidental fires that can easily spread out of control.

Learn more at fpw.org or contact your local fire department and ask!

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October 9, 2021

COMMUNITY HEALTH

L-R - Lorne Reid, secretary to the Lions Club of Paris, Mayor David Bailey, Ken Lennington President of Lions Club of Paris.

DONATIONS CONTINUE! The Lions Club of Paris has pledged $50,000 towards the Cowan Community Health Hub. The County of Brant is excited to share that they have raised the first $15,000 of their pledge.

SC Johnson provided a $25,000 donation towards the Cowan Community Health Hub! Mayor Bailey “Thank you for helping us build a healthy community together”

Public Fundraising Campaign The County of Brant is excited to launch the public fundraising campaign for the Cowan Community Health Hub. The Health Hub was recently re-named in honor of the Cowan Foundation’s major $800,000 donation. The Health Hub will attract new family physicians to the

community and be home to a number of health care and social service organizations.

The Hub is designed to encourage collaboration amongst the organizations to deliver a more seamless and integrated approach to health care and mental health care for residents.

The County of Brant designed the Health Hub to also be a healthy building. The building, located at 25 Curtis Ave. N., Paris, features many sustainable and green features including vegetated “green” roof, solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, and energy efficient fixtures.

If you are interested in donating to the Health Hub, please visit www.brant.ca/HealthHub or call Marilyn Campbell Davis, Campaign Director, at 647.290.8500.

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October 9, 2021

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Paris Curling Club Open house Sunday October 17 & 24. https://pariscurlingclub.com Trivia Night! Thursday October 14, 21, 28, November 4, 11, 18 from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Test your knowledge as the County of Brant Library hosts an online Trivia Night via Crowdpurr! Play along from home and keep track of how you’re doing with results updated after reach multiple choice question. Sign up online https://brantlibrary.evanced.info/signup

All Canadian Events presents Great Canadian Butter Tart Festival in Paris Saturday October 23 (10am to 4pm) and Sunday October 24 (11 am to 4 pm) at the Paris Agricultural Society, 139 Silver St, Paris. Admission $5 at the door, masks required.

Bulls & Bike Show – Paris Agricultural Society, Sunday October 10 in support of Help A Child Smile & Camp Maple Leaf. Gates open at 11 am and event starts at 12:30 pm.

October Arts & Crafts Kit: Pumpkin Doodles. Monday October 11, 18, 25 from 9 am to 8 pm Create some amazing works of art with simple materials.

Register at brantlibrary.ca/youtube. Free supplies available on first come first served basis to teens who register to participate.

Christmas in Paris November 5, 6 & 7.

Friday 1 – 9 pm; Saturday 9:30 – 5pm; Sunday 11 am- 4 pm. All in one location at the Paris Agricultural Society (139 Silver St Paris).

Admission is by donation only with proceeds to support the arts bursaries for high school students in Paris and the County of Brant. Presented by Kindred Spirits Artisans of Paris. **Email theparisindependent@gmail.com with your community calendar suggestion / submission. Help us spread the news! **

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October 9, 2021

ARTISTIC MESSAGE ENCOURAGES INCLUSIVENESS AND DIVERSITY AT PDHS

By Casandra Turnbull Students at Paris District High School are taking a new approach to inclusiveness and diversity, spreading positivity through art.

Karlie Mccullough and Halley Sprowl are the two artists behind the school’s newest mural, replacing the 20-yearold wall painting that was beginning to fade and chip away.

“Our art teacher, Mrs. Macmillan, suggested a new idea of painting murals and volunteered Halley and I to do them considering our artistic ability,” said Mccullough.

The two Grade 12 students began laying out the concept by searching for ideas on Pinterest. They liked various ideas posted on Pinterest and eventually formed their own masterpiece after a lot of thought-out planning and discussion. “Since the mural is located outside of the fitness room, we added Olympic symbols, including Paralympics, to show diversity in fitness,” said McCullough of the athletic tones added to the mural. Hence the slogan, ‘Diversity is Our Strength.’

The project not only gives the young women a chance to flex their artistic muscles, but also provides them an extra GPP credit (leadership/volunteer credit).

Once they complete this mural there are plans for more murals throughout the school.

In fact, this project was the catalyst for another great idea: resurrecting the Art Club at PDHS to encourage other likeminded students to sharpen their techniques and give them another avenue to exhibit their talents.

“We are very proud of what we did and thankful for this opportunity,” said McCullough and Sprowl.

Both students are in their fourth year at PDHS. McCullough aspires to be a secondary school art and English teacher, while Sprowl plans to pursue an education in the medical field as a physiotherapist.

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October 9, 2021

SPORTS Photos by Michelle Malvaso

Senior Paris Panthers Football - Panther’s Jack Kelly Scores first touchdown in the first quarter of last Saturday’s exciting home opener against McKinnon Park. Final score 35-8 Panthers! Touchdowns by: Jack Kelly (1), Andeew Kozbor (2), Luke Rathbone (1), and Adam Shipp (1). Converts by: Conor Plumstead (5).

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October 9, 2021

The Wolfpack Howl Times Presented by The Paris Minor Hockey Association Thank-you for your patience when entering the sports complex! We know that it takes a little extra time to enter and have your paperwork ready, but your patience and kindness has been extraordinary and appreciated by all! Thank-you for representing PMHA so well.

We are excited to officially start the 2021/22 hockey season. We hope you took advantage and enjoyed all the pre-season s kills sessions that were offered to the players. We are excited to get this season started with games beginning October 17th.

The Teams have now all been confirmed, and you should have received an email from your coach with details about your team’s schedule. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to a member of the executive or appropriate convenor. The U18 Division will be completed by the end of the weekend.

Thank-you everyone who has volunteered to support the organization so far this year. We have had wonderful coaches and convenors volunteer to help make this season an amazing one for your player! We are still in need of a convenor for the U11 & U8/9 Divisions. Please reach out to Mike Sinclair, president@parisminorhockey.com ASAP if you would be able to help!

Thank-you to everyone that has submitted their proof of vaccination thus far! Over 75% of our players have already submitted their documents. A reminder that if your child was born in 2009 or earlier, the OMHA requires proof of full vaccination (14 days past second dose) by October 31, 2021, to roster the player on a team with PMHA. This means that if your child does not receive their second dose by October 17, 2021, there will be a period that they are not eligible to play after October 31, 2021. Submit your proof of vaccination to https://parisminorhockey.com/Forms/7546/Covid_Vaccine_Proof/ If you have any questions, please email covidtaskforce@parisminorhockey.com The Sportsheadz screening and check in app will be utilized again this season and will be rolled out to all coaches within the next week. Coaches will be looking for team managers to monitor this so please help where you can.

Finally, if you visit https://parisminorhockey.com/ you can subscribe to your team schedule to get the latest updates as ice times are sometimes added with short notice.

In Honour of Walter Gretzky Day October 8th, we have this amazing photo from BRANTFORD, ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2019: Walter Gretzky and Chris Vanstone, Director Hockey Operations of the OJHL with the ceremonial puck drop at Brantford 99ers home opener.

Photo by Michelle Malvaso/OJHL Images

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players as they explore an awesome game that has given me a lot of opportunities in life."

Josh has truly embraced the role and is engaging the players with fun drills, games and skill development to foster our youngest players and encourage their development. Who knows what this great group of kids will achieve.

PARIS RINGETTE Josh is pictured here with his twins Alexander and James & his dad Bill working with the U7 team

THE WOLFPACK WELCOMES 3 GENERATIONS Josh Schram is head coach for the Canadian Tire Paris U7 Gold Team & has returned to Paris, where his hockey journey began in the then Instructional Development program in 1994 under the guidance of his uncle.

"As I advanced through PMHA my dad assisted as an on-ice helper with various teams, and took on the role as team manager (1999-2000 season I think). I left PMHA in the early 2000's to play AAA in Brantford and was fortunate enough to play competitively at the major junior (Kitchen Ranger - OHL & Saint John Sea Dogs QMJHL) and university level (Brock) until I was 24."

"I think some of my best memories of my time with PMHA are related to the coaches.

From learning positional play, to discipline, and leadership I had a lot of

great coaches that gave their free time to help me explore the game of hockey and develop a love for the sport at an early age. I think in my last few years of university hockey, as the team captain and working with minor sports teams in the community, I reflected on my hockey journey and I was able to see the level of dedication and effort that all coaches give in order to pass on knowledge and a love of the game.

Fast forward 6 years and my wife and I have twin boys who are ready to explore the game. PMHA was an easy choice for us, with a lot of good memories and a new but familiar feel. It is also great having my dad back on the ice but now with my kids and the other youth sharing his experiences. I am excited to be working with the next generation of Wolf Pack

The Paris Ringette Association is gearing up for another season and to prepare for upcoming costs, the club is offering a few fundraising options.

The Distance Bottle Drive is back until October 18. If you have empty liquor bottles or cans you’d like to get rid of, contact a local Ringette player to arrange a pick-up or reach out to the organization on Social Media for further assistance https://www.facebook.com/ParisRinge tteAssociation/

The association is also excited to announce Cheer for a year is back!

Raffle tickets are $5 each or $20 for five tickets. The draw will be held on December 18th. Draw prizes are as follows: First prize winner will take home 52 LCBO $35 Gift Cards valued at $1,820. Second prize will receive 26 LCBO $35 Gift Cards valued at $910.

Third place will receive 12 LCBO Gift Cards valued at $420. Fourth and fifth place will receive a $100 LCBO Gift Card each.

For tickets please contact Christina Kelemen christinakelemen1982@hot mail.com, or Jenn Hysert jennhysert@hotmail.com or Ryan Barton Ryan@bartonmechanical.com

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October 9, 2021

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The paris independent

World Teacher Day 2021 Twitter: @parisnews

Email: theparisindependent@gmail.com

We Asked You to Email Us!

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Teachers around the world were recognized on October 5th for their tireless efforts in the classroom, educating and nurturing children.

World Teacher’s Day, also widely known as International Teacher’s Day, was formally established in 1994. It’s a day to express gratitude to the role models who inspire and challenge the leaders of tomorrow.

To say the last two years have been a challenge is an understatement. Classroom learning swiftly changed because of COVID. Educators had to pivot and learn how to teach virtually. It was a test of their creativity and ability to adapt on the fly.

Parents, guardians, and caregivers also had the opportunity to be an educator, giving many a firsthand view of the challenges educators face daily.

This year’s theme “Teachers at the heart of Education Recovery,’ is a signal of hardships experienced because of the pandemic.

Some local children wanted to take the opportunity to recognize their teachers at various schools right here in Paris. Without further adieu…..

"My teacher is so kind, funny and smart. She makes things really easy. She is very creative." Caleb, Mrs Tokarczyk, Grade 3, Northward School

“My teacher is my pride and joy. I really like my teacher!

She is awesome!” - Olivia, Ms. Etwell Grade 4, Northward School

"I am happy with my teacher because she is fun and nice. I like what she reads to the class. My teacher is good at art." Hailey, Ms. Hawthorne, Grade 7, Northward School

“My teacher is really nice, really smart and she is really great!” - Audrey, Grade 2, Miss. Smith, Northward School “Mrs. Parkhill is SO smart and has taught me so much. She makes learning fun everyday,” Olivia, Grade 5, Holy Family School “Ms. Garner is an extraordinary Teacher she challenges me and makes learning fun,” Grace, Grade 6, Holy Family School “My teacher has created a safe environment for me, a loving place in her classroom and has made it a great start to the year in the middle of a pandemic. Thank-you Ms. Misiak”, Paityn, Ms. Misiak, grade 6, Cobblestone Elementary.

"She is awesome! I love that we play games and dance.

She's really funny and reads the best stories,” Noah, Mrs. Freitas, SK at Cobblestone Elementary “I love my teacher because she is super nice, reads a lot to us and she is a great teacher,” Harper, Mrs. Kiosses, Grade 2, Northward School “My teacher is funny, nice and very kind. She is a great teacher,” Ryker, Mrs. T, Grade 3, Northward School “I like my teacher because she does crafts with us and helps us learn,” Olivia, Mrs. Parker, Grade 2 Northward School “I like that my teacher always helps us with math,” Ben, Mrs. Benoit, Grade 1 1 3 Northward School.

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October 9, 2021

BUSINESS NEWS

The County of Brant Approves Temporary Home-based Business Program The County of Brant Council has approved the Temporary Home-based Business program and pilot project to help support home-based businesses in the County of Brant.

“The ongoing pandemic has impacted local businesses immensely, with many having to adapt operations to meet their new realities”, said Russell Press, Director of Economic Development and Tourism. “This new program will allow businesses who have needed to leave their commercial and retail spaces to operate out of their home.”

The new program expands what is currently permitted as a home-based business under the zoning by-law. Eligible businesses may operate within a primary residential dwelling, an accessory structure such as a garage or shed, or outside on the property, subject to specific criteria outlined in the by-law.

“This program, while supporting businesses that are existing, will also assist entrepreneurs as a first step in opening a business," said Press.

"Conceivably, a business could begin operations out of their home and as it grows, move to a shared retail space or potentially acquire its own standalone space. This program and pilot project is designed to assist in mitigating the negative impacts to our small business community brought on by the pandemic while also assisting in the ongoing efforts of recovery and growth for businesses in the County of Brant.”

Businesses that are planning on utilizing this program will need to follow policies and regulations as designed by the County of Brant Planning division. Some of these include additional on-site parking requirements and compliance with matters such as noise, odour, fumes and other defined nuisances. Additionally, if a business is looking to make changes to their home to accommodate a business-use, all existing policies remain including the possible need to obtain a building permit.

For more information regarding the Home-based Business program and pilot project, please contact the Economic Development division today at invest@brant.ca.

Photo by: Chris Whelan

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October 9, 2021

Labour Shortages are affecting local businesses When asked why he felt job hunters were so few, he replied “I feel the government relief has a large part in the issue. Also, motivated employees have moved into more long term careers (which as an employer makes us proud to see individuals grow and prosper in life). We then asked Kent what he was doing to find workers? “We are currently hiring within both our businesses, job postings on all social media platforms, indeed, and a couple other web pages”. How do people apply? “Individuals interested in positions can reach out to me via email: kgraham@hospitalitydynamics.com

IT’S A WORKER’S MARKET

By Chris Whelan We are all noticing that major fast food outlets in Paris have been closing early and it is presumed that they are experiencing the same labour shortages that is affecting many business large and small throughout Ontario.

we have a variety of positions from kitchen help (cooks, dishwashers) to janitorial staff (commercial cleaning, offices and Healthcare settings)”.

The Paris Independent has set out to speak with local business owners in our community to shed some light on the situation and help residents become more aware of job opportunities and also the need to be kind and understanding when local businesses are short staffed.

This week we spoke with owner operator Kent Graham and asked if he was experiencing any labour shortfalls “Yes we are definitely experiencing a labour shortage, at the Grand Bayou and Nova Cleaning Supplies”.

www.pfporientexpress.eventbrite.ca

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THE FUNNIES

October 9, 2021

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October 9, 2021

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THE PARIS FAIR THE AREA’S FIRST BIG EVENT SINCE COVID

By Casandra Turnbull All eyes were on The Paris Agricultural Society (PAS) as it prepared to present the largest event in town in nearly two years. In fact, neighbouring towns and cities were also watching with bated breath, curious to see if the organization could execute a successful outdoor crowd event, during a global pandemic.

Meanwhile behind the scenes some 37 different committees, comprised of PAS members and community volunteers, worked in unison with the weight on their shoulders, organizing programs, competitions, entertainment and laying out the groundwork for careful daily plans. Two full-time staff and four part-time employees prepared the buildings and fairgrounds, co-ordinated exhibit entries, vendors, advertising, ticket sales and rentals.

Planning an event of this magnitude was no small feat. Cheryl Muir, Paris Agricultural Society Manager, spent much of the winter 2021 shutdown/lockdown listening to industry webinars and attending virtual training to

provide the Board of Directors with as much information as possible to decide whether to host the event or not. On April 26 the board voted to proceed, but it was not until June 24 when the province announced Step 2 of watching us.”

In fact, the pressure of executing a successful, but most importantly a safe event, didn’t alleviate until two-weeks post- fair. “It was a tremendous relief,” Muir said of learning there were no COVID outbreaks tied to the event. “It wasn’t until that time that the board of directors were able to confidently call the fair a success.”

During the five-day event, nearly 34,000 people attended. That number was down from close to 50,000 attendees in 2019, but organizers anticipated this drop as some people are still very apprehensive in attending large gatherings.

As a result, they budged accordingly and received some much needed and welcomed funding from the Reconnect Festival and Funding Program, a provincial grant offered by the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. It’s designed to help organizations host safe events by offsetting costs associated with complying with Health & Safety protocols outlined by the province and local Health Unit.

“Financially, we were very grateful for the attendance as it meant that we will be able to continue to maintain and offer rentals after so many months with little to no income,” said Muir.

“Most importantly we had SAFE event at which the community could celebrate the return of a tradition that has meant so much over the last 160 years.”

Fair organizers worked in conjunction with the Brant County Health Unit to establish a safety plan. Cleaning, sanitizing, COVID-19 safety signage and security expenses were almost doubled to fulfill the requirements of the safety plan

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October 9, 2021

So, what’s their secret to staying composed under pressure and delivering a safe, crowdpleasing event? “Our secret is simple, we have a membership base who are dedicated to the promotion of agriculture and the overall well being of the community,” said Muir. There are just not enough ways to adequately thank each volunteer who contributed to this year’s success.

Fresh off the success of the Fair, PAS members recently found out they also took home top honours from Festival and Events of Ontario’s ‘Best of the Best,’ for their virtual Drive Thru Christmas Display hosted in December 2020.

Muir explained it was an alternate way of celebrating the season without risk of spreading infection. The FEO considered it to be an event that excels in the industry. The Paris Agricultural Society co-hosted the event along with the Paris Firefighters Club.

Congratulations to Bella Todd our 2021 Paris Fair Ambassador.

Bella was sponsored by Paris Lions Club and looks forward to representing our Society at events in the coming year.

Thank you to the other 3 contestants: Taylor Harkness, Sponsored by Brant 4-H, Denise Sayles, Sponsored by Paris Optimist Club and Caraline Stanley, Sponsored

by Women Inspiring Women Women’s Institute.

Photos by: Michelle Malvaso

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October 9, 2021

Photography M. Collins- Best Overall Print M. Collins- Judges’ Choice Snap Shooter M. Collins- Highest Points Snap Shooter Junior Photography O. Hamilton – Judges’ Choice

Champions & Special Awards, Paris Fair 2021 PARIS RESIDENTS TAKE HONOURS FROM HOMECRAFT DIVISION ENTRIES

Teen Art – Age 13-15 T. Spencer- Best in Show Teen Art- Age 16-18 K. McCullough – Best in Show

Jersey Briddon Farms- Reserve Grand Champion Briddon FarmsHonourable Mention Briddon Farms- Premier Exhibitor Award Briddon Farms- Premier Breeder Award

Crafts & Hobbies L. Anderson- Best Counted Thread B. Macdonald- Best Craft E. Vanstowski- Best Woodworking S. Fortey-Best Collection M. Edgar- Best Nostalgia B. Hunt- Best Antique

Grain, Corn & Hay S. Cochrane – Champion Hay Exhibitor Primary Art – Age 5-8 A.. Sangster- Best in Show Junior Art – Age 9-12 A.. Barker- Best in Show

Photos by: Michelle Malvaso

Plants & Flowers B. Hunt- Third Highest Points Accumulated in Show S. Fortey-Best Dahlia S. Fortey-Highest Points Accumulated in Cut Flowers S. Fortey-Highest Points Accumulated in show D. Collins- Best Hosta Sections S. Fortey- Best Entry in Floral Designs S. Fortey- Highest Points Accumulated in Flora Designs S. Fortey- Highest Points Accumulated in Potted Plants Dairy, Apiary & Domestic Science D. Godden- Most Points in Class

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October 9, 2021

Future Space of This Week In Real Estate