A Labour Day tradition in Paris, Ont. will continue, despite an unexpected complication from Mother Nature. The Paris Fair has returned to the fairgrounds on Silver Street for the long weekend, featuring midway rides, competitions and shows. Exhibit drop-off began on Wednesday and the midway was scheduled to open for the ever-popular “Tonnie Night.” However, at the same time, a powerful storm moved through southern Ontario. When the winds picked up, a sheep tent blew over. No one was hurt and there were no animals inside the structure at the time. Fair staff also told CTV News a ride fully tipped over during the storm. In the interest of safety, the midway did not open as planned. On Thursday, the fallen ride was taken away and replaced, and everything was on track to resume. “Everything’s good to go,” Brian Sayles, honoury director of the Paris Fair, said. “There’s no big trees right around, so no tree damage. One tent blew down, but then got put back up – great volunteers. We have 400 volunteers. There were some fences that blew down last night and the volunteers pitched in and got them all put back together, so no permanent damage.” The midway will once again be hosting Toonie Night on Thursday. This is the 168th installment of the fair. It will continue until Monday afternoon. A full schedule of events is available online.
