A celebration 167 years in the making marks end of the summer

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

This Labour Day weekend, the 167th Annual Paris Fair returned with all the charm, energy, and small-town warmth that’s made it a beloved tradition. Running from August 27 to September 1, the fair transformed the Paris Fairgrounds into a five-day extravaganza brimming with heart-pounding excitement and community spirit.

Families and friends reveled in the classic fair rituals — from roaring monster trucks and bumper-to-bumper demolition derbies to the nostalgic twinkle of midway rides on Toonie Nights. Livestock shows, 4-H competitions, and milking demonstrations brought the region’s agricultural heritage to life, while live concerts by headline acts like the Hunter Brothers and The Reklaws ignited the stage with Ontario’s best beats. Everywhere you looked, visitors were making memories — racing to meet the friendly calves, cheering on daring motocross stunts, or simply savoring funnel-cake moments with friends in the sun.

This year’s Fair was more than just an event—it was a homecoming. A chance to revel in tradition, laugh with neighbours, discover new favorites, and remind us all why this fair still feels like the most exciting place on earth. As the midway lights fade and the final notes of music drift across the fairgrounds, the Paris Fair once again marks the end of another unforgettable summer. For 167 years, it has been the community’s gathering place — a celebration of heritage, fun, and friendship. And with its close, we bid farewell to long summer days and officially welcome the crisp air, colourful leaves, and new beginnings that fall brings.