By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–It was one of the biggest and best parades ever for the 70th World’s Biggest Fish Fry, with dozens and dozens of floats and entries, six marching bands, two sets of Clydesdale horses, lots of beauty queens, state, city and county officials, eight volunteer fire departments and much more.
Paris Police Chief Ricky Watson estimated between 26,000 to 30,000 spectators were here to enjoy the parade and even a little drizzle didn’t dampen spirits.
Grand Marshal Jay Sukhadia waved to the crowds from a fancy bright yellow Corvette and one highlight for many — especially WWE fans–was the appearance of Glenn Jacobs, Knox County Mayor, who happens to also be the WWE Superstar known as “Kane”. Jacobs was among dozens of county and city mayors at a TVA-sponsored session at The Lodge at Paris Landing.
Henry County Mayor John Penn Ridgeway said the Association of Tennessee Valley governments included 50 mayors from four states.
Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee were at the Fish Tent after the parade, greeting visitors there.
Parade Winners:
General Manager’s Trophy: Lions and Bears, two-year-olds.
Most Original: First, Charter Senior Living; Second, KOA Campgrounds; and Third Future Visions.
Best Club or Church: First, Paris FFA; Second, Paris Boxing Club; Third, Unforgotten Motorcycle Club.
Most Beautiful: First, Shine Like Dolly; Second, Tiny Tots; Third, Little Princess and court.
Best Out Of Town: First, Dresden Senior Center; Second, Miss Dresden, Third, Iris Royalty.
Marching Bands were: Henry County, Camden Central, Hollow Rock/Bruceton; Peabody, Inman Middle, Stewart County.
Our first live video streaming of the parade was a success, even with our crew scattering to cover all the equipment with tarp when the drizzle was at its heaviest. You can watch our coverage of the parade at any time on our YouTube channel and through our website.
Our announcers were Don and Mary Kate Ridgeway and Susan Jones.
Tomorrow’s activities include the Small Fry Parade at 10 a.m. at downtown Paris; Junior Fishing Rodeo at Williams Lake at 11 and Amateur Boxing event at 1 p.m. on the court square, Fish Tent open, Arts & Crafts open at fairgrounds, evening rodeo at the fairgrounds and the carnival continues.
Photos by Shannon McFarlin.
