Thousands of people enjoyed a host of entertainment for all ages during the 166th annual Paris Fair, which ran from Thursday, August 29 through Monday, September 2, 2024.
The long-awaited event kicked off on Thursday evening with the first of two RCMP Musical Rides, the opening ceremonies, and as always, the Paris Fair Ambassador competition where Kylie Vanderhoek officially passed along her title to Kara Sickle.
During the five-day event, both residents and out-of-town visitors alike spent their last week of summer exploring the many shows, competitions, artisanal vendors and various exhibits around the grounds.
Hosted every year by the Paris Agricultural Society, the event featured several agriculture themed activities and learning opportunities. From goat shows to beef shows, OBRA barrel races, milking demonstrations, and the 4-H dairy show, there were plenty of chances to get up close and personal with on-site livestock.
Of course, it wouldn’t be the Paris Fair without the many lights, sounds and smells of the Campbell Amusements midway.
Throughout the weekend, families of all ages spent their time braving thrilling rides like the “Freak Out,” “Fury,” and the “Cliff Hanger,” while others opted in for more classic attractions such as the “Tilt-A-Whirl, “Carousel,” or the bumper cars.
For those looking to take a souvenir home from the family-friendly event, many tested their luck at one of nearly ten carnival games such as the “Water Gun Fun” race or “Duck Pond.”
After hours of entertainment and family fun, hungry guests soon began browsing the grounds for a selection of fair food favourites like jumbo corn dogs, poutine, onion rings, cotton candy and ice cream.
The fun continued throughout the weekend as hundreds of guests were sure to attend numerous freestyle motocross shows, one of two demolition derbys, Saturday’s Jade Eagleson concert and Sunday’s Brett Kissel concert.
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
