Paris, Tenn.–How do you celebrate a downtown that is alive and thriving after 196 years? The Downtown Paris Association is throwing a week-long party that includes delicious food, historic tours, exhibits, live music, great sales, giveaways and more.
Downtown Paris Week 2019 is Sunday through Saturday, June 2-8 in downtown Paris .The festivities are sponsored by the Downtown Paris Association. This is the 7th annual Downtown Paris Week.
This is the schedule:
Sunday, June 2 – Worship Downtown Day is an opportunity for our community to visit one of six, historic downtown churches for Sunday services. Whether it’s First Baptist, First Christian, First Methodist, First Presbyterian, Grace Episcopal or Quinn Chapel AME, the churches of downtown are welcoming and inspiring. “Many of these historic churches have been in the downtown area since the mid-eighteen hundreds,” according to DPA Executive Director Kathy Ray. “They are the cornerstones of downtown and are the perfect place to begin Downtown Paris Week.”
Monday, June 3 – Dine Downtown Day celebrates the eateries of downtown Paris. On a day when many local restaurants are closed, the downtown kitchens are hopping places. Enjoy a delicious meal at Uncle Billy’s Downtown Eatery, Take Me Back Café, Perry’s BBQ, LL’s Bar & Grill, and coffee and snacks at Jack’s Java, then register to win a prize from the Downtown Paris Association. Top off that meal with a little exercise and culture with the Downtown Art Walk. Throughout the week, a number of local artists will display their work in various downtown shops.
Tuesday, June 4 – Music on the Square brings Americana southern rock to the east side of the court house lawn with The Old Spirits. The music flows from 5:30 – 7 pm. And because great music calls for great food, Perry’s BBQ will serve BBQ on site. Just bring a chair and enjoy a fun time with an exciting local musical group and delicious food.
Wednesday, June 5 – Heritage Day offers the answers to those burning Downtown questions, like “how many times did the court square really catch on fire?” Ray Harding invites locals and visitors alike to find out what’s so cool about downtown during his free, 45-minute walking tour. Participants should meet on the corner in front of Jack Jones Flowers. The FREE tour departs at 11 am. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Thursday, June 6 – Songwriters on the Square showcases musicians going “round robin” with favorite tunes that they’ve penned themselves. “We have so much talent in our area,” Ray said. “This is a great way to spotlight it. Our very own local songwriters with WTPR, West Tennessee Players Resource, will entertain us with Country, Americana, Christian and various new sounds from their group with their original songs.” Alan Knowles, spokesperson for WTPR, said, “We like to pay tribute to the radio station WTPR that was in Paris for decades.” Those scheduled to perform are Alan Knowles, Davin Roberts, Chris Story, Paul Holtgrewe, Dave Holtgrewe, Brian McAdams, and Ethan Torsak. Music lovers can enjoy a variety of talented songsmiths from 6:00 to 7:30 pm on the Downtown Court Square. Come hungry. Perry’s BBQ will be selling BBQ, sides and drinks. Don’t forget to bring your chair.
Friday, June 7 – Government Day is a “tip of the hat” to the government workers who serve our community. Please take a minute to thank a City or County employee for their service to our Community.
Saturday, June 8 – Tales from the Crypt Tour is from 1 to 3 pm in the City Cemetery. For a $5 donation to the City Cemetery preservation fund, come listen to the stories as told by local historians. Downtown Extra Value Days will feature special value sales all day in stores downtown. The Paris-Henry County Arts Council presents Paris native singer-pianist, Sammy Goldstein, at KPAC at 7 pm. Tickets are $25.
“This is our Seventh Annual Downtown Paris Week and we feel it encompasses everything that is wonderful about our downtown,” Ray said. “We invite everyone to enjoy the fun of our historical downtown and to become a member of the Downtown Paris Association, where we champion Downtown Paris and our community.” For more information, LIKE the Downtown Paris Association Facebook page, visit www.VisitDowntownParis.com, download the FREE Downtown Paris App, or call (731) 653-7274.
Photo: At last year’s Songwriters on the Square, John Sutton, Evan and Vince Dodd and David Dick perform. (Shannon McFarlin photo).
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