Paris Optimist Club is getting ready for its annual holiday craft and vendor market on Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8, 2026.
The event, which has been running for decades, will be held at the Paris Fairgrounds and feature around 80 different vendors. With 60 to 70 per cent of exhibitors returning from previous years, visitors can look forward to shopping from familiar favourites alongside new additions.
From jewellery to handmade ornaments, specialty jellies, candles, stained glass work, plush toys, quilts, homewares, candy, drink mixes, crochet creations, charcuterie boards and more, there will be plenty of items to browse and buy throughout the two-day event.
“There’s always a good balance of artisans, crafts people and makers,” said Alex Faux, who co-chairs the market alongside Julie Henwood. “We have a lot who are more locally based, as well as from the Kitchener area, and a couple resellers coming in from the GTA, but there’s not many of those big commercial folks. They’re mostly smaller, entrepreneurial individuals who are just great for taking part in this, and there will be a real wide range of items up for sale.”
Admission to the event is $2, with proceeds supporting the Paris Christmas Hamper Program. A grassroots initiative which started well over three decades ago, the hamper program provides non-perishable food items, essential supplies and toys to families during the holiday season.
As one of the Optimist Club’s mandates is to help youth reach their full potential, a majority of the revenue from the vendor fees, the Optihouse Café, and the other half of the licensed 50/50 will be used for supporting local youth. From scholarships and sports teams sponsorships to donations to the Girl Guides and Scouts, and contributions for the expansion of the skate park, the Optimist Club supports a range of programs and community initiatives.
“The funds we raise go back to supporting the youth of Paris and the County of Brant community,” said Faux. “Sometimes we support more on the grassroots level and sometimes it’s other non-profits that benefit the community.”
Overall, Faux said he and the rest of the members are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to the market.
“Last year we had about 850 people come through, so it was well received given that we’ve been trying to reestablish the market since the pandemic, but it would be great to get a thousand to 1,200 people through the door this year,” he said. “We’re looking forward to seeing everyone, and we invite the community to come join us, take a look around and get some shopping done in time for the holidays.”
For those interested in attending the event, it will be running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8.
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.
