By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–With a toss of the first hush puppy, Hostess Princess Madison Vermillion officially opened the Fish Tent for the World’s Biggest Fish Fry Wednesday evening.
The line started forming outside the Fish Tent at 3:30 p.m. and by 5 p.m., when it opened, the line was winding its way all the way into the back parking lot.
Vermillion threw the first hush puppy to her father, Mike, and she said she did practice the toss. The ‘first pitch’ of the hush puppy has been a traditional opening for the Fish Tent for years.
Paris Mayor Kathy Ray welcomed everyone to the Fish Fry and applauded the hard work by the Paris-Henry County Jaycees each year. Kudos to all the volunteers who make the Fish Fry happen each year were also given by General Manager Brandon Lackey, ‘Smokey’ Taylor and ‘Tater’ Hayes.
The Fish Tent is open through Saturday, closing each night at 9 p.m. All-You-Can-Eat catfish: Adults, $15; Children 6-12, $12.
The Carnival started Tuesday night and goes through Sunday.
Thursday events include the opening of the Arts and Crafts Show and the carnival.
The Grand Parade is Friday at 10 a.m., moving down Wood Street. The rodeo is Friday through Saturday nights, with the Small Fry Parade Saturday morning at 10 a.m. in downtown Paris. Junior Fishing Rodeo is 11 a.m. at Williams Lae and the Amateur Boxing Show is at 1 p.m. Saturday on the court square.
Photos by Shannon McFarlin
