St. John Named Grand Marshal, Book Dedicated To Hedges As Fish Fry Headquarters Opens

By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—It was joyous—and emotional–Saturday morning as Jordan St. John was named the Grand Marshal of the World’s Biggest Fish Fry Parade and the souvenir book was dedicated to the late Gaines Hedges.
A large crowd gathered for the announcements and the opening of the headquarters for the 66^th Fish Fry, once again located in the front parking area at Paris Inn and Suites on East Wood St. in Paris.
This morning’s announcements included something that has never happened before at the headquarters opening when Wesley Bomar came out of the crowd carrying a sign asking Hostess Princess Paige Alexander to be his date to the prom. The sign said, “The Fish Fry is great, but I’m here to say…Will you be my princess to Prom in May?”
The book dedication was read to the crowd by family friend Susan Jones, who noted Hedges was an ardent and long-time promoter of all things Paris. Hedges worked for several years for WENK/WTPR, was the 2010 Paris-Henry County Chamber Person of the Year, President of the Chamber in 1989, and active in many organizations such as the Downtown Paris Association and the Arts Council.
In dedicating the book to Hedges, Jones looked to the sky and said, “Happy Hush Puppies, Gaines. See you on the parade route.”
Family members were on hand for the announcement, including Hedges’ wife, Becky; brother Joe; children Jess and Heather. Both Becky and Jess thanked everyone for the dedication and Becky noted, “He’s looking down on all of us right now.” Jess said the dedication was a blessing and asked everyone to welcome the visitors to Paris during Fish Fry like Gaines always did.
Jordan St. John is the namesake for Sweet Jordan’s Ice Cream Shoppe and in announcing he was the Grand Marshal, Cathey Williams of the Jaycees noted that St. John makes everyone smile, feel warm and is inspiring to others.
St. John is the son of Brad and Tommie St. John. Born with Down Syndrome, he is an integral part of the family-owned business, which hires others with special needs. Williams said, “We do not believe we could find anyone to shine brighter at the front of our Grand Parade.”
Hostess Princess Alexander cut the ribbon at the opening, surrounded by her court: First Maid Olivia Harber, Second Maid Caroline Gurton, Third Maid Lexi Daniels and Fourth Maid Jessica Whalen, city and county officials and family members of Hedges and St. John.
The new Fish Fry dedication book was handed out to everyone in attendance. The books are available–along with this year’s t-shirts and fish beads–at the Headquarters.
You can also pick up the souvenir books at the WENK/WTPR radio station at 216 N. Poplar St., Paris.
 



Top photo: Hostess Princess Paige Alexander cuts the ribbon; Wesley Bomar presents a prom invite to Paige; family members of Gaines Hedges thank everyone for the book dedication; Jordan St. John is congratulated on being named Grand Marshal. (Shannon McFarlin photos).