By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–This year’s announcement of the 68th annual World’s Biggest Fish Fry souvenir book dedication was an emotional one, with the late WMUF News Director Tim Alsobrooks named for the honor.
Alsobrooks’ family and friends, including his mother Kimberley Norris, were on hand for the announcement. She said to the crowd, “I’m glad you’re honoring him. He was a good person and I sure do miss him.”
Alsobrooks died suddenly December 14, 2019, and was a big supporter of the Fish Fry and Henry County’s community events.
This year’s Grand Marshal will be George “Tink” Combs, who retired after several years with the Paris board of Public Utilities and is a familiar face to everyone in Paris, with several names ascribed to him, including the unofficial mayor of Paris, Dr. Love and Tink.
Combs’ family was on hand for the announcement, which was such a surprise to him that he said, “This is the first time in my life that I’ve been slightly speechless”. He said what an honor it was to be named Grand Marshal and gave everyone advice for their lives: “The best way to live is simply to speak to people.”
The announcements were made at the grand opening of the World’s Biggest Fish Fry headquarters, located on Tyson Ave., where merchanise is for sale and souvenir books and schedules are available.
The Fish Fry is always held the last full week of April and will be held from April 17-24. Last year’s event was cancelled due to COVID-19, so everyone is especially excited for this year’s activities.
Hostess Princess is Victoria Owens, with First Maid Lexi Daniels, Second Maid Samantha Clark, and Third Maid Jessica Whalen. General Manager is Loria Plunk and Assistant General Manager is Jordan Holland. The Fish Fry is sponsored by the Paris-Henry County Jaycees.
Tim Alsobrooks’ family and friends: Allison Middleton, Kimberley Norris (Tim’s Mom), Dale Popp and Eric “Stu” Schmidt.
George Combs hears the announcement from Assistant General Manager Jordan Holland.
Top photo: Hostess Princess Victoria Owens cut the ribbon at the grand opening.
Shannon McFarlin photos.