PARIS PAST: Marching down memory lane: Paris’ glorious Canada Day past

Chris Whelan

Editor

Canada Day, previously known as Dominion Day, has long been a cherished tradition in Canada, commemorating the birth of the nation in 1867 with the passage of the British North America Act. One town that truly embodied the spirit of this celebration was Paris, Ontario. For years, Paris hosted one of the most vibrant Canada Day festivities in the County of Brant, bringing the community together in a week-long extravaganza of joy and merriment.

The anticipation would build in Paris a week or so before Canada Day, kicking off with the lively garden party at Sacred Heart Church towards the end of June. A hub of activity, the garden party featured a delightful array of events including square dancing, bingo, delectable treats like strawberries and ice cream, as well as classic favorites like barbequed hamburgers and crown and anchor games. Children delighted in the many penny games and contests, while adults immersed themselves in the festive spirit.

Earlier in the week leading up to Canada Day the Miss Canada Day pageant sponsored by the Paris Optimist Club was a highlight, showcasing local talent sponsored by clubs and organizations from Paris and the surrounding area. Alongside this, the town buzzed with activity, hosting a variety of events such as the three-day bicycle rally, the prestigious Canada Week golf tournament, a charming pet show, and the exhilarating soap box derby that raced down Broadway Street hill, thrilling both participants and spectators.

The pinnacle of the celebrations was the grand parade that wound its way through the heart of Paris. Starting at the Paris High School parking lot and proceeding down Grand River Street looping around downtown and then finishing at the Syl Apps Arena, the parade was a spectacle to behold. Antique cars, horse-drawn carriages, and community icons like the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club and the winner and runner up of the Miss Canada Day Pageant graced the procession, evoking a sense of nostalgia and pride.

The parade was a festival of colour and sound, featuring the Galt Kiltie Band, the Brant County Junior Farmers' float, and the whimsical Shriners Club of Brantford float, complete with lively characters and vibrant music. Children eagerly awaited the free candy, balloons, and flags, while adults reveled in the sight of classic cars and sports teams parading by.

As the parade culminated at the Paris arena, the atmosphere crackled with excitement. Spectators were serenaded by the parades marching bands including the St. John's Drum and Bugle Corps and the Ayr-Paris Band, setting the stage for the breathtaking fireworks display that illuminated the night sky over the Grand River, a fitting end to a day filled with community spirit and camaraderie.

Throughout the years, the Canada Day celebrations in Paris grew in magnitude, drawing visitors from far and wide to partake in the festivities. However, in 2007, the Paris Canada Day Committee faced financial constraints and a decline in volunteer support, leading to the unfortunate decision to discontinue the parade and fireworks display. This marked the end of a remarkable era, leaving behind cherished memories of a time when Paris, Ontario, truly shone as a community of unity and celebration.