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

Jay Wood

1st Vice
John Stuart
2nd Vice
Matt Stuart
Director-at-Large
Sheldon Grech
Manager
Amy Warner
Past President
Ross Miller

Directors

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

Junior Directors

Bella Stone
Sydney Adams
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

Jay Wood

PAS President

A down arrow in red.

I would like to thank all the members, directors and especially the volunteers that work tirelessly to make each year a successful year. With all the hurtles thrown at us, we sure know how to jump them. The executive team consisting of John, Ross, Sheldon, Matt and Amy - thank you for letting me be a part of a great team steering through month to month challenges. Thank you also to Homecraft and all the members for the meals, not only at fair time, but throughout the year.

​

To our staff: Tracy, Doug, Gerry, Shelley - thank you for all

your dedication and support throughout the year.

  

I would like to congratulate and welcome Bronwyn Monkhouse, our 2022-2023 Paris Fair Ambassador. Bronwyn is doing a great job promoting and representing our fair and society.

​

In closing, I would like to thank you all for the support you

have given me and I look forward to continuing to work with you all. 

​

Here’s to 2023!

As we approach the very exciting fair season, we are so happy to present all exhibitors and visitors with the 2023 Paris Fair prize list. 

​

We, the Paris Agricultural Society, are honored to be apart of the Paris community and to showcase all of the talent and hard work that goes into each and every entry. Growing up, getting the prize list and working hard on entries for the fair was the highlight of my summer. I encourage you all to take a look at the prize book and enter things that you are proud of! There are so many different categories that there is something for everyone.

Without you, our exhibitors and visitors, our fair would not be possible. I appreciate every one of the exhibitors and visitors, and want to send a big thank you to all of you. I would also love to thank the board of directors and all the volunteers for working so hard to put on such an amazing fair and bring the community together.

​

I look forward to seeing both you and your entries at the 2023

Paris Fair. Best of luck to all exhibitors, I hope you have so much fun making your entries this year. I wish you all the best and the most amazing time at the 2023 Paris Fair!

​

Without you, our exhibitors and visitors, our fair would not be possible. I want to send a big thank you to all of you, and our amazing Board of Directors and volunteers, for working to bring our community together. 

​

I look forward to seeing you all, and your amazing entries, at the 2022 Paris Fair! Best of luck to all exhibitors but more importantly, have fun!! 

Bronwyn Monkhouse

2022 Ambassador

A down arrow in red.

I would like to thank all the members, directors and especially the volunteers that work tirelessly to make each year a successful year. With all the hurtles thrown at us, we sure know how to jump them. The executive team consisting of John, Ross, Sheldon, Matt and Amy - thank you for letting me be a part of a great team steering through month to month challenges. Thank you also to Homecraft and all the members for the meals, not only at fair time, but throughout the year.

​

To our staff: Tracy, Doug, Gerry, Shelley - thank you for all

your dedication and support throughout the year.

  

I would like to congratulate and welcome Bronwyn Monkhouse, our 2022-2023 Paris Fair Ambassador. Bronwyn is doing a great job promoting and representing our fair and society.

​

In closing, I would like to thank you all for the support you

have given me and I look forward to continuing to work with you all. 

​

Here’s to 2023!

As we approach the very exciting fair season, we are so happy to present all exhibitors and visitors with the 2023 Paris Fair prize list. 

​

We, the Paris Agricultural Society, are honored to be apart of the Paris community and to showcase all of the talent and hard work that goes into each and every entry. Growing up, getting the prize list and working hard on entries for the fair was the highlight of my summer. I encourage you all to take a look at the prize book and enter things that you are proud of! There are so many different categories that there is something for everyone.

Without you, our exhibitors and visitors, our fair would not be possible. I appreciate every one of the exhibitors and visitors, and want to send a big thank you to all of you. I would also love to thank the board of directors and all the volunteers for working so hard to put on such an amazing fair and bring the community together.

​

I look forward to seeing both you and your entries at the 2023

Paris Fair. Best of luck to all exhibitors, I hope you have so much fun making your entries this year. I wish you all the best and the most amazing time at the 2023 Paris Fair!

​

Without you, our exhibitors and visitors, our fair would not be possible. I want to send a big thank you to all of you, and our amazing Board of Directors and volunteers, for working to bring our community together. 

​

I look forward to seeing you all, and your amazing entries, at the 2022 Paris Fair! Best of luck to all exhibitors but more importantly, have fun!! 

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Email Us

info@parisfairgrounds.com

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Phone Us

+1 (519) 442-2823

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