About the Fair

A Long-Standing Brant County Tradition Celebrating Agriculture, Craftsmanship & Community Spirit

The Paris Fair, presented by the Burford Agricultural Society, is one of Southern Ontario’s most enduring and respected rural celebrations. With a history stretching back to the mid-19th century, the fair honours agricultural heritage, creative craftsmanship, and the strong multi-generational community ties that define Brant County.

A Fair Built on Pioneer Roots

The Paris Fair began in the 1850s, during a time when agricultural societies across Ontario were forming to support farm families and build rural prosperity. Early fairs provided a vital gathering space where farmers could compare livestock and crops, exchange new farming techniques, and celebrate the harvest.

Paris, already an important mill town situated at the forks of the Grand and Nith Rivers, quickly became a natural host community. The fair grew into a beloved annual tradition, bringing rural families together from across the county.

Early fairs featured livestock judging, produce displays, homecraft entries, and demonstrations of rural skills, all reflecting the perseverance and ingenuity of the region’s early settlers.

Agriculture at the Heart of the Fair

Agriculture remains central to the Paris Fair’s identity. Exhibits continue to reflect the strength and diversity of Brant County’s farms, showcasing:

• Dairy and beef cattle
• Sheep, goats, and small livestock
• Field crops, forage, and garden produce
• Traditional and rural craftsmanship

These displays highlight the expertise, innovation, and dedication that define farming throughout the region.

Equally important is the fair’s homecraft division, where exhibitors present quilting, sewing, preserves, baking, woodworking, floriculture, photography, and junior creations. These entries celebrate the creativity and practical skills that have shaped rural community life for generations.

Youth Involvement & Multigenerational Roots

Young people play a significant role in the fair’s continued vitality. Through junior classes, school exhibits, 4-H involvement, and hands-on agricultural learning, youth develop:

• Leadership
• Practical skills
• Creativity
• Agricultural understanding
• Pride in local heritage

Generational participation, where children, parents, and grandparents all contribute, remains one of the fair’s defining strengths.

A Fair Sustained by Dedicated Volunteers

The Burford Agricultural Society and its volunteers are the foundation of the Paris Fair. Their year-round efforts—planning competitions, maintaining fairgrounds, coordinating exhibits, and preserving records, ensure that the fair remains vibrant, relevant, and rooted in tradition.

Their dedication reflects the strong community values that have shaped the region for more than 150 years.

A Reflection of Brant County’s Rural Identity

The Paris Fair embodies qualities that define the area:

• Agricultural pride
• Creative homecraft traditions
• Community cooperation
• Multigenerational involvement
• Rural resilience
• Strong local heritage

These elements have helped establish the Paris Fair as one of the province’s most respected rural institutions.

A Tradition That Endures

Through generations of change, the Paris Fair remains a cherished celebration of agricultural excellence, creativity, and community identity, linking Paris’s rich past with its vibrant present.

About the Community

Paris, Ontario: A Scenic Grand River Community Rich in Heritage, Architecture & Small-Town Warmth

Known as “Canada’s Prettiest Little Town,” Paris, Ontario is one of the most picturesque and historically charming communities in Southern Ontario. Located at the confluence of the Grand River and Nith River, Paris blends natural beauty, heritage architecture, and friendly small-town character into a vibrant and welcoming community.

A Community Built on Water, Mills & Early Industry

Paris’s history began in the early 1800s, when settlers were drawn to the region’s rivers, fertile soil, and natural resources. Mills, tanneries, and early industries sprung up along the riverbanks, establishing Paris as a bustling commercial centre.

The community is particularly famous for its cobblestone architecture, with more cobblestone buildings than anywhere else in Canada. These structures, built between 1850 and 1880, give the town a distinct historic charm found in few places across the country.

Heritage streetscapes, riverfront vistas, and restored buildings help preserve Paris’s early character and make history a visible part of everyday life.

A Landscape Defined by Water & Countryside

Paris is surrounded by an environment that balances rural and natural beauty:

• Rolling farmland
• Wooded trails and riverside pathways
• The dramatic curves of the Grand River
• Picturesque hillsides and forest edges
• Quiet country roads leading into Brant County

This blend of water, forest, and agricultural land gives Paris its unique atmosphere—peaceful, scenic, and full of character.

A Warm, Friendly & Engaged Community

Paris is known for its strong sense of hospitality and community pride. Residents support local initiatives, cultural organizations, recreational programs, and volunteer groups that help maintain the town’s welcoming small-town spirit.

The downtown core features:

• Heritage storefronts
• Independent shops and cafés
• Artisan boutiques
• Community gathering spaces
• A walkable, historic streetscape overlooking the river

These elements create a lively yet intimate environment.

Agriculture Remains a Key Part of the Region

While Paris has grown into a popular residential and visitor destination, agriculture still forms a major part of the surrounding area’s identity. Local farms contribute to:

• Dairy and beef production
• Mixed farming and hay crops
• Market gardening
• Rural craftsmanship and homesteading

This agricultural heritage is proudly celebrated each year at the Paris Fair, one of the region’s most respected historical traditions.

A Natural Companion to the Paris Fair

The Paris Fair reflects the community’s strongest qualities:

• Pride in rural roots
• Creative homecraft traditions
• Youth involvement
• Volunteer leadership
• Multigenerational participation
• Local identity and heritage

Together, Paris and its fair tell a rich story of agriculture, history, and community spirit.

A Beautiful Riverside Community with Lasting Heart

Whether strolling along riverside paths, exploring cobblestone heritage buildings, visiting friendly downtown shops, or celebrating traditions like the Paris Fair, Paris offers a warm and unforgettable Ontario experience.

It is a community where history is cherished, where rural heritage remains strong, and where community spirit thrives year-round.

🌾 Explore Nearby Agritourism Experiences

Visitors attending the Paris Fair may also enjoy exploring nearby agritourism experiences and attractions in Brant County and the Grand River region.

• Paris Farmers’ Market – Paris – a community market offering fresh produce, baked goods, artisan foods, and local products
• Penman’s Dam & Grand River – Paris – a scenic riverside destination popular for paddling, photography, and walking trails
• Brantwood Farms – Brantford area – a popular farm market destination known for seasonal produce and family activities
• Whistling Gardens – Wilsonville area – a botanical garden destination featuring one of the world’s largest public peony collections

Some nearby experiences include links to additional Ontario Agritourism Showcase pages with more visitor information.

Visitors interested in Ontario agricultural fairs may also enjoy exploring events such as the Binbrook Fair and the Drumbo Fall Fair, each celebrating the farming traditions and community heritage of Southwestern Ontario.