For visitors, the Paris Fair runs like a well-oiled machine each Labour Day long weekend.

Published Sep 06, 2026  •  Last updated 6 days ago  •  2 minute read

Thousands of people poured through the gates of the annual Paris Fair this past weekend. Taking part in the 168th annual event were Kirby, Maeve and Alex Manning of Norwich. Photo by Jacob Robinson

For visitors, the Paris Fair runs like a well-oiled machine each Labour Day long weekend.  

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Paris Agricultural Society general manager Amy Warner is the first to point out that’s because more than 500 Brant County residents are willing to lend a hand.  

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Corbin Reid of Moorefield, with his red angus named Maggie, were among the ribbon winners in the cattle show at the 168th annual Paris Fair on Saturday, Sept. 5. The fair was held throughout the Labour Day weekend at the town’s fairgrounds. Photo by JACOB ROBINSON /Simcoe Reformer

“In the last few years, we’ve been the fastest-growing municipality within Ontario, and we’ve really seen that in our volunteer base,” said Warner, now in her fourth year as the organization’s general manager. “We’ve had a lot of new volunteers, especially this year, so that’s really exciting because we can’t do this without them.”  

The year’s version, the 168th annual, came complete with dozens of food vendors, agricultural displays, concerts and a sprawling midway. It also included Friday afternoon tea for the first time.  

“It had live music, and the ladies had their hats on; the gentlemen did as well,” Warner explained. “We wanted to try something new, and it was incredible.”  

Kitchener’s Kayla Topan and her horse Fuego took part in the horse show Saturday, Sept. 5 at the 168th annual Paris Fair. Photo by JACOB ROBINSON /Simcoe Reformer

If there’s anyone who can talk about the fair’s history, it’s Brian Sayles. An area farmer, Sayles has been volunteering with the group for more than 60 years. 

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“It’s great to see the young people that are involved today,” said Sayles, whose granddaughter is a fourth-generation volunteer. “This fair has grown so much in the last 60 years, and especially in the last 10. We’re getting into the new technology with passes at the gates, people buying tickets online. We’ve been with Campbell Amusements for years; they’re local, and they’re great people to work with.”  

Sayles said an incident on the grounds earlier this week showed just how committed the volunteers are.  

A harrowing thunderstorm whipped through the area, ripping down a fence on the 80-acre property, which was formerly a gravel pit.  

“Within two hours, the fence was back up,” Sayles pointed out.  

Last year, the 50/50 draw amassed a prize of over $13,000, and north of 60,000 folks from across Ontario and beyond were expected to pass through the gates this time around.  

“People are here from far and wide,” Sayles said.  

“It’s kind of a final hurrah before the kids go back to school.”  

Near the midway, Lisa Forrest and her granddaughter, Thea Wilson, continued their tradition of visiting from Kitchener.  

Lily Patrina-Jackson and Sharron Jackson took part in the festivities at the 168th annual Paris Fair on Saturday, Sept. 5 at the town’s fairgrounds. The fair was held over the Labour Day weekend. Photo by JACOB ROBINSON /Simcoe Reformer

“It’s becoming an annual event; we come almost every single year,” Forrest said. “We love the rides; we love the food and the agriculture.”  

The fair has lasted for over a century and a half, Sayles said, not only because Paris is a welcoming town, but because the event caters to all types of visitors. 

“People like to come and see the animals, they like the rides, they like to come see the demolition derby,” he added. “There’s something going all the time.” 

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