Sweet success at Maple Syrup Fest

Sweet success at the fairgrounds — Lion Ted, Lion Margaret, Lion Derrick and Lion Airie help keep things buzzing at the 50/50 stand during the Paris Maple Syrup Festival on April 11. The annual event drew thousands of visitors. See Page 3 for more photos.

Rubyyy Jones 

Cultural Correspondent 

It was a sweet return to spring in Paris on Saturday as the Paris Lions Club hosted its annual Maple Syrup Festival. The long-running community favourite brings together residents and visitors for a day of entertainment, local connections and, of course, plenty of pancakes.

This year marks the 13th Maple Syrup Festival and the second time the event has been held at the Paris Fairgrounds. The Lions Club of Paris made the move in 2025 due to the Downtown Dig, and the new location has opened the door for expansion — including more vendors, additional food trucks, and the option for indoor space when the weather turns especially Spring-like.

The weather was quintessentially Spring, bright and blustery, marking the first sunny Maple Syrup Festival in a while, which made outdoor dining possible. People who chose to sit outside on the picnic tables, by the Special Events building, were able to enjoy their food while taking in the mainstage entertainment which included: SINGit youth singers, line dancing with Joan Minery - including an international line dancing flash mob - and music sets from Danielle Beaudin and Thompson Road Band. Food trucks, including the Lions breakfast wagon, and the pop-up stage created a perimeter around the picnic tables, giving some shelter from the wind and roving entertainment from Doug The Great and cast members from The Glass Slipper Company kept things sunny and cheery too. 

Inside the Special Events buildings, several stations and dedicated areas kept things running smoothly. A small indoor dining space was supported by Scouts Canada, who bused tables, kept everything maple syrup–free, and helped the Lions maintain a tidy, organized space—it was a sticky task, but the Scouts handled it with ease. Lions Club members staffed the 50/50 draw station, won by Suzanne Craig-Whytock, and also managed the welcome desk at the main entrance, where visitors could find Lions literature and information on volunteering, joining and supporting the club.

There were two vendor market rooms, with about 25 different vendors and groups participating and there was a real mix of vendors. Guests could find everything from baked goods, jewelry, pet stuff, artisans and makers, to some great local organizations. Volunteers from the Paris Terry Fox Run were on hand to promote their event, and people and pooches from Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides represented the organization. Who could miss the Girl Guides who brought their energies and signature cookies too - it was a nice blend of representation. 

The Lions Club of Paris created—and continues to grow—this event as a way to give back to the community, particularly to those who rely on the strength and support of others to live with dignity. It remains a meaningful annual effort to raise both funds and awareness for their charitable work. As the festival continues to expand at the Paris Fairgrounds, its future feels especially promising—honouring its roots while evolving to meet the changing landscape of rural community events.

Joan Minery leads a crowd in line dancing during the Paris Maple Syrup Festival, joined by Maple Fest attendees, members of the Stomptastic Line Dancing Team and friends from Brantford Line Dancing.