Paris Parks & Recreation Committee

09/26/2026

Save the date and make sure the check out all the amazing pumpkins this community creates!

The Jack-o' Lantern Spectacular sign is standing tall on our streetscape; and you know what that means, right? One of McLaughlin Garden's biggest fundraising events of the year is right around the corner!

Back for its 13th year,  McLaughlin Garden and Homestead's beloved Jack-o' Lantern Spectacular returns October 15-17 with a magical new theme:  "Enchanted Forest."  Visitors are invited to step into a world of beautifully illuminated paths, hand-carved pumpkins, mesmerizing  light displays, and Halloween spirit as The McLaughlin Garden is transformed into an enchanting woodland experience for all ages.

Thursday, October 15; Friday, October 16; and Saturday, October 17, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. each evening.

This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of our 2026 season sponsors, MaineHealth Stephens Hospital and Norway Savings Bank, as well as our event sponsors, Everett Realty Group, Flexible Flyer, Hebron Academy, Northeast Bank, Oxford Plaza, Renewal By Andersen, and Ripley & Fletcher Ford.

Admission is $8 per person or two for $15. Children two and under are free. Payment is accepted at the entrance, and both cash and  credit cards are accepted.

For more information, please visit our website or call (207) 743-8820 to learn more about this event and other seasonal offerings at the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead.

09/25/2026

Get ready for a fun, creative afternoon! We are bringing the Make-A-Bear Workshop right to Paris!! 🧸✨

Give your kids a memorable hands-on experience where they get to build and customize their very own plush friend.

📅 When: October 14th at 3:00 PM

Pricing
8-Inch Animals: $16 per participant

Each Participant Receives:
🧸 A brand-new stuffed animal (Choose from awesome woodland friends like a bear, fox, beaver, moose, bunny, black bear, or squirrel!)
❤️ Heart insert & wishing star
📜 Official birth certificate
🎨 Decorate-a-T-Shirt activity

⚠️ Spots are limited and pre-registration is required!
To reserve a spot for your child, send an email to [email protected] today!

Don't miss out on the fun! 🎉

09/25/2026

🐾🎃 SOUTH PARIS CHARITY DOG SHOW — OCTOBER 10TH! 🎃🐾
Join us at River Park for a fun, family‑friendly Dog Show to benefit Responsible Pet Care!
Bring your pups, your friends, and your best Halloween spirit.

📅 Date: October 10
📍 Location: River Park, South Paris
💲 Registration: $15 (pay at Town Office or day‑of)
📧 Register by emailing: [email protected]
⚕️ Requirements: Dogs must be licensed & rabies‑vaccinated.

🏆 Categories

Best Halloween Costume

Most Obedient

Coolest Trick

Fluffiest Tail

Best Smile

Waggiest Walk

TOP DOG (overall winner!)

🎁 Prizes & Fun
Judging by ACO Holmes
Prize packs from Wellpoint Veterinary Service & Paris Farmers Union
Plus local dog daycares, groomers, walkers, and dog lovers with goodies, treats, and activities!

Come celebrate our community, support Responsible Pet Care, and show off your amazing pups.
We can’t wait to see you there! 🐶❤️

09/22/2026

Reminder tomorrow we kick off our play date in the Deering Memorial Community Center. Enter through the side door, parking available behind Paris Public Library!

Can’t wait to see all the friends!!

Calling all Paris parents and caregivers! 📢

Our Preschool Play date is ready to start next Wednesday, Sept. 23rd, at the Deering Memorial Community Center. This is a wonderful opportunity to build community, meet other local families, and let your kiddos lead the way with kid-led play, stories, movement, and crafts.
And yes, we'll provide the snacks! 😋

When you're a parent of a preschooler, you know that "every Wednesday" can feel like a lot. Let us help you fill those 10-12am hours with some easy, fun, and free programming.

Who’s looking forward to this? Drop a 🧸 if you’re coming!

09/17/2026

🎃 Get Ready for Autumn with Paris Parks & Rec! 🍂
Celebrate the cozy fall season with us for a creative evening at our Decoupage Pumpkin Decorating Night! Skip the messy carving and transform pumpkins into beautiful, patterned art pieces to decorate your home.
Event Details:
Date: September 30th
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Deering Memorial Community Center
Who: Fun for ALL ages!
Bring your friends, family, or just your creative spark—everyone is welcome to join in on the fall festivities.

Please email [email protected] to reserve your space!
We can't wait to see you there! 🎨✨

09/15/2026

Join Us for a Pawsome Day at River Park! 🐾🐕
We’re hosting a Dog Show & Competition complete with a Friendly 1K Walk to benefit Responsible Pet Care, and we want you to be part of the fun!

Calling All Dog Lovers & Competitors!
Whether your pup has the best tricks in town, agility skills to show off, or is simply Best in Show in your heart, bring them out for a day of friendly competition, fun, and community.

Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: River Park, South Paris
Note: All participants must show proof of current rabies vaccination and licensing.

Local Dog Businesses & Vendors – Partner With Us!
Are you a local groomer, pet trainer, treat baker, vet, or pet supply shop? We’d love to feature your business!

Sponsorship & Booth Space: Set up a booth, demonstrate your services, or offer samples to local pet owners.

Support a Great Cause: Help us raise awareness and support for responsible pet care in our community while growing your local network.

📩 Interested in participating or becoming a vendor? Send us an email at [email protected] to get registered! Let's make this the best event of the year for our four-legged friends.

09/14/2026

Calling all Paris parents and caregivers! 📢

Our Preschool Play date is ready to start next Wednesday, Sept. 23rd, at the Deering Memorial Community Center. This is a wonderful opportunity to build community, meet other local families, and let your kiddos lead the way with kid-led play, stories, movement, and crafts.
And yes, we'll provide the snacks! 😋

When you're a parent of a preschooler, you know that "every Wednesday" can feel like a lot. Let us help you fill those 10-12am hours with some easy, fun, and free programming.

Who’s looking forward to this? Drop a 🧸 if you’re coming!

09/10/2026

From September 9–12, The Honor Summit will illuminate two powerful beams of light into the night sky from the summit of Mount Washington. The tribute marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11, honoring those that passed, including veterans, firefighters, and first responders.

We’ll be offering guided tours to the summit each evening so guests can experience this special tribute from 6,288 feet.

Learn more: mt-washington.com/honor-the-summit/