About

PAS

Championing Agriculture &  Timeless Traditions

Our Society

Since 1858

The Paris Agricultural Society in Paris, Ontario, Canada, is a non-profit organization established in 1858, dedicated to promoting agriculture and rural life. Hosting various events, workshops, and educational programs, the society is a vital cultural institution in the region, inspiring appreciation for the industry.

The annual Paris Fair, held over the Labour Day weekend, is a major agricultural event attracting thousands of visitors. It features exhibits, competitions, and demonstrations related to agriculture, livestock, horticulture, rural crafts, carnival rides, live music, and food.

The Society supports numerous initiatives throughout the year, such as 4-H club activities, livestock shows, and educational workshops for all ages. These events engage and educate the community about sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and promote local farmers and their products.

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Mission Statement

The Paris Agricultural Society’s mission is to promote and conserve agriculture throughout the County of Brant and surrounding areas through our annual fair and provide facilities to enrich the health and education of the community as a whole.

Vision Statement

Our vision is to have a solid volunteer base that provides a fiscally viable, environmentally friendly year-round event facility that will continue to engage, educate and promote agricultural awareness in the community.

The History

1858

January 21, 1858

Formation of the Paris Agricultural Society

The records tell of a meeting of the "inhabitants of the east riding" called by the Warden of the County of Brant, Daniel Anderson, being held for the purpose of establishing an Electoral Divisions Agricultural Society for East Brant. The early chosen name was "The East Brant Country Agricultural Society".
1858

September 23, 1858

1st Fair

Although there was already an active West Brant Society, the two society's amalgamated to hold the first, combined fair. The Ladies' work was exhibited in the Town Hall, with livestock and implements at the grounds on the east side of the river.
1866

1866

First 2-day Fair

In 1866, permanent buildings, valued at $963 were erected on the flats on the easterly side of the Grand River on property owned by Hiram Capron; the main building was known as "The Crystal Palace". This year also marks the first 2-day Fair.
1867

1867

Name Change and More New Things

in 1867, the name was changed to the North Brant Agicultural Society. Refreshment booths were allowed, "badges" were used for the judges, and the Paris Horticulturl Society took charge of the floral exhbits.
1882

1882

Purchase of the Land

The Society purchased the land from the Capron Estate for $1,800, and then leased the grounds to the Corporation of the Town of Paris.
1902

1902

Poultry Fanciers

Poutry Fanciers were mentioned for the first time as submitting a list for poultry entries.
1906

1906

Ribbons

Ribbons were purchased for horse prizes, with rosettes added in 1910.
1907

January 16, 1907

Naming

The "Paris Agricutural Society" became so know, with headquarters in Paris.
1909

March 10, 1909

Fire

Disaster struck when the "Crystal Palace" was razed. The origin of the fire remains a mystery.
1923

1923

The BIG Move

On December 8th, 1923 it was reported that 15 acres of land had been purchased from W. Leach for $200 per acre. This porperty consisted of Lot 32, Conc. 2, South Dumfries on Keg Lane.
1925

1925

First Cattle Shed

The first cattle shed was part of the original building parallel to the railroad.
1935

1935

Poultry Building

There have been hundreds of coops added since.
1958

1958

Centennial Fair

This was the first 3-day Fair.
1961

1961

Labour Day Weekend

The first time the Fair is held on Labour Day Weekend.
1962

1962

Poutlry Building Moved

The poultry building ins moved and increased in size to 36'x100' on a concrete block.
1966

1966

Horse Track Moved

The race track was moved north from its former position to give more way for the midway and for a grandstand.

Early 1858

Formation of the Paris Agricultural Society

The records tell of a meeting of tje "inhabitants of the east riding" called by the Warden of the County of Brant, Daniel Anderson, being held for the purpose of establishing an Electoral Divisions Agricultural Society for East Brant. The early chosen name was "The East Brant Country Agricultural Society".

Early 1858

Formation of the Paris Agricultural Society

The records tell of a meeting of tje "inhabitants of the east riding" called by the Warden of the County of Brant, Daniel Anderson, being held for the purpose of establishing an Electoral Divisions Agricultural Society for East Brant. The early chosen name was "The East Brant Country Agricultural Society".

Early 1858

Formation of the Paris Agricultural Society

The records tell of a meeting of tje "inhabitants of the east riding" called by the Warden of the County of Brant, Daniel Anderson, being held for the purpose of establishing an Electoral Divisions Agricultural Society for East Brant. The early chosen name was "The East Brant Country Agricultural Society".

Early 1858

Formation of the Paris Agricultural Society

The records tell of a meeting of tje "inhabitants of the east riding" called by the Warden of the County of Brant, Daniel Anderson, being held for the purpose of establishing an Electoral Divisions Agricultural Society for East Brant. The early chosen name was "The East Brant Country Agricultural Society".

Early 1858

Formation of the Paris Agricultural Society

The records tell of a meeting of tje "inhabitants of the east riding" called by the Warden of the County of Brant, Daniel Anderson, being held for the purpose of establishing an Electoral Divisions Agricultural Society for East Brant. The early chosen name was "The East Brant Country Agricultural Society".

A photo of a group of Volunteers looking at Paris Fair Prize Book submissions.A young girl shows off a cow at the Paris Fair.A photo of a volunteer on a tractor preparing the Lower Grounds at the Paris Agricultural Society.

Meet the team

The PAS has a long history of dedicated volunteers, without whom we would not have so much continued success.

President

John Stuart

1st Vice
Matt Stuart
2nd Vice
Suzanne Kelley
Director-at-Large
Amanda Henderson
General Manager
Amy Warner
Past President
Jay Wood
Treasurer
Kyle Johnson

Directors

Ross Miller
Dennis Tochor
Sean Chase
Sydney Adams
Karen Ilett
Jeff Vanderhoek
Suzanne Kelley
Luciano DiBiase
Rick Stern
Valerie Stone Grech
Amanda Henderson
Gillian Crawley
Lesleigh Elgie
Luc Lawrence

Junior Directors

Emma Fielding
Sarah Fielding
Holden Vanderhoek
Kylie Vanderhoek
Bronwyn Monkhouse
Sydney Cain
Historical
Past Ambassadors
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Past Presidents
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Documents
Download PDF icon.
2022 Financial Report

Leadership Messages

John Stuart

PAS President

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I would like to thank all the members, directors and volunteers that work tirelessly to make each year successful. Thank you to our executive team Jay, Matt, Suzanne, Amanda, Kyle, and Amy - for all your support. To our staff: Doug, Gerry, and Shelley - thank you for all your hard work. I would like to thank Kylie Vanderhoek, our 2023 Ambassador, for representing our fair and society so well. She truly is a great ambassador of agriculture.

​

In closing, I would like to invite everyone to enjoy the 166th Paris Fair, we are very excited to have the RCMP Musical Ride returning for 2 shows!

 

Sincerely, 

John Stuart

President 

With the 2024 Paris Fair quickly approaching, we are excited to present our Paris Fair Prize Book. We have so many different categories for you to exhibit, there truly is something for everyone. We look forward to seeing all of your entries at the 2024 Paris Fair where we can showcase all of the talent our community and surrounding area has to offer. Best of luck to all the exhibitors.

​

The community spirit and dedication behind the fair are sure to make it a memorable and enjoyable experience for all. My favourite Fair memory is exploring the Ag Awareness exhibits. We look forward to welcoming you to the 166th Paris Fair so you can create your own fair memories. Thank you to all of our volunteers, members and directors who bring this amazing event to life. 

 

See you at the Fair,

 

Kylie Vander Hoek

2023 Paris Fair Ambassador

Kylie Vanderhoek

2023 Ambassador

A down arrow in red.

I would like to thank all the members, directors and volunteers that work tirelessly to make each year successful. Thank you to our executive team Jay, Matt, Suzanne, Amanda, Kyle, and Amy - for all your support. To our staff: Doug, Gerry, and Shelley - thank you for all your hard work. I would like to thank Kylie Vanderhoek, our 2023 Ambassador, for representing our fair and society so well. She truly is a great ambassador of agriculture.

​

In closing, I would like to invite everyone to enjoy the 166th Paris Fair, we are very excited to have the RCMP Musical Ride returning for 2 shows!

 

Sincerely, 

John Stuart

President 

With the 2024 Paris Fair quickly approaching, we are excited to present our Paris Fair Prize Book. We have so many different categories for you to exhibit, there truly is something for everyone. We look forward to seeing all of your entries at the 2024 Paris Fair where we can showcase all of the talent our community and surrounding area has to offer. Best of luck to all the exhibitors.

​

The community spirit and dedication behind the fair are sure to make it a memorable and enjoyable experience for all. My favourite Fair memory is exploring the Ag Awareness exhibits. We look forward to welcoming you to the 166th Paris Fair so you can create your own fair memories. Thank you to all of our volunteers, members and directors who bring this amazing event to life. 

 

See you at the Fair,

 

Kylie Vander Hoek

2023 Paris Fair Ambassador

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info@parisfairgrounds.com

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+1 (519) 442-2823

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