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.

Questions? - Contact Us
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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.
1964

1964

The Queen has Arrived

In 1964 the fair awarded its first Fair Queen, Dona Cline.
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.
1967

1967

Centennial Year

Photographic Gallery - A photographic gallery was added commemorating all past presidents, secretaries, Treasurers, and service Diploma Recipients.
1968

August 31st, 1968

Grandstand

On Saturday August 31st, 1968 the much needed grandstand was opened. ($20, 000)
1969

1969

W. Ross Macdonald

The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario W. Ross Macdonald, opened the fair!
1970

1970

Sunday Fun Day

This was the first year the fair was opened on a Sunday.
1971

1971

Farm Fresh

Refrigerated Display cabinets were installed to keep displays fresh.
1972

1972

Big Things Happening!

A 60ft extension was added to the grandstand, as well as a Tractor Pull!
1973

1973

Straight A's

Paris Fair became a “Class A” Fair.
1975

1975

OOPS!

April Storm in 1975 blew down a large section of the grandstand wall! Leaving a massive hole in the brick building!
1975

1975

More Amusement

Paris Fair Directors were able to acquire the services of Campbell Amusements.
1976

1976

New Kid on the Block

A new building was added to the fairgrounds, as well as a new float for the parades was added.
1977

1977

"Moo"ve out of the way!

New cattle sheds were added due to the high number of entries.
1978

1978

Counting on One Hand

An enterprising group of young lady directors entered a display in the OAAS Convention
and received a Grand Champion award. This achievement was maintained for 5 years in a row.
1979

1979

Fencing! (Not the sport)

A chain link fence was added around the fairgrounds to improve the grounds.
1980

1980

Breaking a Sweat

Building improvements were done to circulate air better in the buildings.
1980

1980

County and City

Paris Fair contributed to the County Agricultural Show in the Brantford mall, this project was to help city and urban dwellers be more conscious of each other's activities.
1982

1982

Golden Throne

A free standing building was built with new washrooms.
1983

1983

Big Birthday for the Fair!

A Past Presidents Night, Western extravaganza and Barbeque and dance were all held for the 125th anniversary.
1989

1989

Breaking Records

In 1989, the “Tallest Scarecrow” buit under direction of Stephen Speers at the Paris Fair was entered and accepted into the Guinness Book of Records!
1992

1992

Jumping for Joy!

The Paris Fair had Bungee Jumping at the fair in 1992.
1993

1993

Office Moved

The fair office was moved from the heritage building to the J.H. Buck Centre.
1995

1995

Digital Times

All of the Pairs fair Records became digitized.
1998

1998

Homecraft 1/2 Century

The PAS Homecraft Division celebrated 50 years.
1999

1999

Permanent Site

A demo pit was built on a permanent site on the inside of the race tracks.
2000

2000

Last Piece to our Puzzle

The last piece of our 110 acres was purchased.
2001

2001

Amazing Attendance

Record setting attendance approaches 70,000 people!
2004

2004

Shade for the Cattle

Coverall for cattle shows were added to provide shade

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
Sydney Adams
General Manager
Amy Warner

Directors

Pat Howell-Blackmore
Wayne Smith
Kyle Johnson
Elizabeth Monkhouse
Sean Chase
Karen Ilett
Jeff Vanderhoek
Luc Lawrence

Junior Directors

Holden Vanderhoek
Kylie Vanderhoek
Bronwyn Monkhouse
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

A down arrow in red.

On behalf of the directors, members, staff, and 

volunteers we welcome you to the 167th Paris 

Fair! 

We're looking forward to another exciting 

opportunity to promote agriculture and the 

businesses that support the industry. 

We're proud to work with our partners, and 

would like to recognize our 50th anniversary 

with Campbell Amusements. 

As I write this message, I'm excited for all the 

competitions, entertainment and 

demonstrations we have lined up for your 

enjoyment. 

In closing, I want to thank everyone who helps 

with the fair and all those who come and enjoy 

the fair. Looking forward to seeing everyone 

Labor Day weekend, "Where Friends Meet". 

John Stuart 

2024/2025 PAS President 

Grace Aulsebrook-Smith

2025 Ambassador

A down arrow in red.

On behalf of the directors, members, staff, and 

volunteers we welcome you to the 167th Paris 

Fair! 

We're looking forward to another exciting 

opportunity to promote agriculture and the 

businesses that support the industry. 

We're proud to work with our partners, and 

would like to recognize our 50th anniversary 

with Campbell Amusements. 

As I write this message, I'm excited for all the 

competitions, entertainment and 

demonstrations we have lined up for your 

enjoyment. 

In closing, I want to thank everyone who helps 

with the fair and all those who come and enjoy 

the fair. Looking forward to seeing everyone 

Labor Day weekend, "Where Friends Meet". 

John Stuart 

2024/2025 PAS President 

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info@parisfairgrounds.com

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Phone Us

+1 (519) 442-2823

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