By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–A large crowd was on hand Saturday morning for the grand opening of this year’s World’s Biggest Fish Fry headquarters and to hear the announcements that Jay Sukhadia will be this year’s parade Grand Marshal and the souvenir booklet is dedicated to long-time volunteer Albert Vassar.
The headquarters is located at 401 Tyson Ave. this year and is chock full of merchandise–t-shirts, fish fry beads, caps, and more.
Queen Madison Vermillion and her court, along with Fish Fry General Manager Brandon Lackey, Assistant General Manager John Paul Casey and other members of the Fish Fry board volunteers participated in the ribbon-cutting to officially open the headquarters. Members of the Hostess Princess Court are: Queen Madison Vermillion, Maddie Grace Ellis, Bryleigh Hayes, Alyson Bizeau, Halle Ann Casey and Kennon Wilson.
Announcing the name of this year’s Grand Marshal was Amanda Lackey, who said, “This is one of the hardest decisions the Paris-Henry County Jaycess make preparing for the World’s Biggest Fish Fry: Who do we want as Grand Marshal?” She said the Grand Marshal has to be full of community spirit. In naming Jay Sukhadia, she said, “This individual has a full tank.”
Sukhadia is a local business owner and is in the process of building still another business–a Patriot Express truck stop. “Jay believes if you give to your community, your community gives back to you,” she said.
Sukhadia said, “This is an honor and a privilege”, noting that he can’t believe just how many people come to Paris for the Fish Fry each year. Parade Day, he said, “is our biggest day of the year and I’m happy to be part of that tradition.”
Chris Hollingsworth announced the name of the souvenir booklet dedication to Albert Vassar. Vassar has been a member of the Paris-Henry County Jaycees since 1988 and has held multiple offices, including President and General Manager.
Ricky Price of Pepsi-Cola spoke about the special edition Pepsi cans with the World’s Biggest Fish Fry logo and information embossed on them. “Fittingly, it’s for the 70th anniversary” of the Fish Fry”, he said. “This is going to bring people here.” The cans will be distributed in a five-state region, he said. “I’m blessed to be part of this.”
General Manager Brandon Lackey welcomed everyone to the headquarters and thanked the owners of the building along with the city and county officials, fellow Jaycees, volunteers, local businesses and sponsors each year.
The Fish Fry is always the last full week of April. This year that is April 22-29.
Photos: The ribbon is cut with the Hostess Princess Court and Jaycees; Jay Sukhadia listens as Amanda Lackey announces his name; and Albert Vasser listens to Chris Hollingsworth dedicate the souvenir booklet to him. Photos by Shannon McFarlin.
