By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–In every other year, the streets of Paris would have bustling with thousands of visitors for the World’s Biggest Fish Fry today.
The people of Paris and Henry County have really been missing the Fish Fry this year, posting memories of past parades, catfish dinners, small fry parades and all the other activities associated with the annual event.
The event–which would have been the 67th annual–was cancelled this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It was the first Fish Fry to be cancelled in its history. The event is sponsored each year by the Paris-Henry County Jaycees.
With that in mind, the Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ‘Fish Fry Photo Parade’ today and local law enforcement–including Paris Police, Henry County Sheriff’s Office and Tennessee Highway Patrol–drove down the parade route today with sirens on. Both events were timed for 10 a.m., the usual time the parade begins each year.
Chamber CEO Travis McLeese said, “Patricia and Holly Todd reached out me with the idea to and felt like it would be a good way to celebrate. We loved the idea because it was a way to honor our Jaycees and the work they put into an event that was cancelled due to COVID-19 and boost community moral.”
Award Winners include:
Best Overall: Denise Barnhill “Catfish Massage
Most Creative: Paris Civic Center’s Water Aerobics Classes
Best Fish Fry Theme: Southside Cafe and Cody Nance Bullriding “Bucking Down to Southside Cafe”
Stay Well Award: Mallorie & Ella Hutson “WBFF COVID-19 Hostess Princess Court”
Commentator’s Choice: Chloe Jo Vaughn “Kentucky Lake, My Happy Place”
Most Original: Patsy Evans, Jackie Jones, & Robin Murphy “Dream Big for Next Year”
