The Great Canadian Butter Tart Fest Returns — Sweet, Sticky, and Proudly Local

Paris Independent Contributor 

It all started one night over dinner when I looked at my family and said, “What if we hosted a Butter Tart Fest in Paris? Do you think anyone would actually come?”

Turns out, the answer was a very sticky yes.

Fast forward nine years, and the Great Canadian Butter Tart Fest is still going strong at the Paris Fairgrounds. Hosted by All Canadian Events, the same crew behind the Paris Night Market and the Great Stocking Stuffer Market, the next delicious two-day event takes place October 18 & 19.

We’re a family-run business; my daughter Diana now lives out in Vancouver but still flies in for every event to help lead (because you don’t mess with tradition or butter tarts), explains Christine Ivany. What started as a wild dinner-table idea has grown into one of Southern Ontario’s largest sweet-tooth gatherings, drawing thousands from Brant County and beyond, with some visitors driving four hours just to get their tart fix.

“Even in the worst weather, we once sold 80,000 butter tarts and when the sun’s shining? You can bet your stretchy pants we’ll hit 100,000. From classic raisin and pecan to inventive flavours like chocolate chip, bacon, and maple whisky — this is one festival where you can’t go wrong,” she said. 

Speaking of maple this year organizers are turning things up a notch by adding a Maple Fest twist, celebrating our ninth year of sticky success. Expect 140 small businesses filling the fairgrounds with everything from baked goods to handmade crafts, artisan gifts, and gourmet treats. It’s a full fall weekend with live music, food trucks, a beer garden, and a matinee movie in the barn, so bring your blankets, and chairs.

All event details, including tickets, pricing, and movie info, can be found online at www.allcanadianevents.com or email info@allcanadianevents.com with questions.

Ivany reminds everyone, “Big chains won’t notice if you skip a latte, but a small business will notice if you buy a candle, a tart, or a handmade gift. That purchase might just keep their lights on another year. This is why I do what I do".

So, rain or shine, come hungry, come curious, and come ready to indulge. Because if there’s one thing we know in Paris — it’s that butter tarts bring people together… and maybe, just maybe, make the world a little sweeter.