Parys 150: A September to Remember
September 2026 brought a special energy to Parys as the town celebrated 150 years of history, community and local pride. From the Parys 150 Street Parade and a weekend of golf to riverside tastings and the Ngwathe Spring Experience, the celebrations brought people together in different ways across the town.
It was a month that showcased not only the history of Parys, but also the people, businesses, activities and events that continue to shape the town today.
Parys 150 Street Parade
Heritage Day on 24 September was a highlight of the Parys 150 celebrations, with the streets of Parys coming alive for the Parys 150 Street Parade.
The parade travelled through Breë and Water Streets before ending at the open area next to the fire station. Local businesses, organisations, community members and visitors came together for a colourful celebration filled with music, movement and community spirit.
Marching bands made their way through the streets, while old cars and tractors added a touch of nostalgia to the celebrations. Dancing and singing brought even more energy to the parade, creating a celebration that reflected the different generations and communities that form part of Parys.
Performances took place at various locations around town, while market stalls, food stalls and arts and crafts vendors gave visitors plenty to see and enjoy.
A particularly meaningful part of the celebrations was the announcement of the Parys 150 Heroes. These individuals were recognised for the contributions they have made to Parys and the surrounding community, highlighting the people whose dedication, service and involvement have helped shape the town over the years.
The parade was more than a celebration of 150 years. It was an opportunity for the people of Parys to come together, celebrate their shared history and recognise the community that continues to make the town what it is.
A Weekend of Golf
The Parys 150 Heritage Golf Weekend brought a wonderful energy to the town on 25 and 26 September, with golfers and visitors gathering at Vaal de Grace Golf Estate and Parys Golf & Country Estate.
The fairways were filled with the familiar sounds of golf, conversation and laughter, while the surrounding celebrations gave the weekend a distinctly festive feel. With the Parys 150 celebrations taking place throughout the town, there was a sense of being part of something bigger than a weekend on the course.
The French Affair added to the occasion, bringing golfers together for a more social side to the weekend. It was a chance to slow down after a day on the fairways, enjoy good company and celebrate 150 years of Parys.
For many, the golf weekend became more than a round of golf. It was an opportunity to spend time in Parys, enjoy the town’s hospitality and experience the celebrations with friends and family.
Bubbly, Gin & Beer on Vaal
On 26 September, G on V brought another flavour to the Heritage Day weekend with Bubbly, Gin & Beer on Vaal.
Set beside the Vaal River, the afternoon had all the ingredients of a relaxed spring gathering. Glasses were raised, tastings were enjoyed and friends gathered to spend time together in the riverside setting.
The combination of bubbly, gin and beer created a lively atmosphere, while the river provided a beautiful backdrop for an afternoon of conversation, laughter and good company.
It was the kind of event that captured another side of Parys, where a day beside the Vaal can easily turn into a memorable part of a weekend in town.
Ngwathe Spring Experience
On the same day, the Ngwathe Spring Experience brought a different kind of energy to Parys at Fezile Dabi Stadium in Tumahole.
Music filled the day as people came together to celebrate spring, culture and community. Performances across different genres created a lively atmosphere, while food stalls and artisan markets added colour and variety to the experience.
There was something distinctly communal about the day, with music providing a space for people to gather, connect and enjoy the beginning of spring together.
From the sounds of live music to the activity around the food and artisan stalls, the Ngwathe Spring Experience highlighted the creativity and cultural energy within the wider Parys community.
Celebrating Parys Together
The Parys 150 celebrations showed the many ways people experience the town.
The Street Parade brought the community into the streets, with marching bands, old cars, tractors, dancing and singing creating a lively celebration of Parys. The announcement of the Parys 150 Heroes added an important moment of recognition, celebrating the people whose contributions have helped shape the community.
The Heritage Golf Weekend welcomed golfers and visitors, with the French Affair adding to the weekend’s social experience. Bubbly, Gin & Beer on Vaal offered an afternoon of tastings beside the river, while the Ngwathe Spring Experience celebrated music, culture and community.
Together, these events formed part of a bigger celebration of Parys and its 150-year story.
For visitors, the celebrations were also an invitation to explore beyond the events themselves. From the Vaal River and surrounding Vredefort Dome to local restaurants, accommodation, shops, galleries and outdoor activities, Parys offers plenty to discover.
The Parys 150 celebrations marked an important milestone in the town’s history, while also highlighting the people, businesses and experiences that continue to shape its future.
Come for the celebrations. Discover the stories. Experience Parys.
A special thank to Jo West Photography for the images of the parade.
