By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–A huge crowd of some 4,500 music fans gathered Thursday night in downtown Paris to enjoy a free concert by the Oak Ridge Boys to kick off the four-day Tennessee River Jam.
The Oak Ridge Boys sang their hits and the crowd sang right along with them. Children danced on the makeshift dance area next to the stage while their parents and grandparents tapped their feet to the music.
The opening acts were Gary “Biscuit” Davis and Kevin Moore, who performed good old-fashioned bluegrass music. Davis is a four-time National Banjo Champion and Moore is the Bethel Music Director and fiddle virtuoso. Also performing was Evie Grace of Memphis.
Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce CEO, Chamber President Michele Atkins and Incoming President Sam McDaniel presented this year’s Chamber awards to Person of the Year Bob Markham; Sam Hutson, Young Professional; Downtown Boxing Gym, You Made It Happen Award; Trolinger’s, Business of the Year; Mockingbird Catering, Small Business of the Year; Kevin Bomar, Conservationist of Year; George Cobbs, Community Engagement Award.
Merchandise for the Tennessee River Jam, the Oak Ridge Boys and Grace were for sale in an “Experience Paris” tent, large screen televisions were set up through the venue so that those who sat in the back could watch everything up close, and food vendors including Perry’s BBQ, Sweet Jordan’s and Ace’s Pizza were set up. The ladies from Hulmes Sporting Goods were a definite crowd pleaser as they used a t-shirt cannon to launch free t-shirts into the crowd.
Organizers thanked the crowd and the volunteers for making the event a success. McLeese expressed how much he appreciated all the support shown the project by the city of Paris, Henry County, sponsors and volunteers.
In introducing the Oak Ridge Boys, County Mayor John Penn Ridgeway said, “How great of an event is this?”
Photos by Shannon McFarlin