By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–The Henry County Tourism Authority Monday approved $100,000 for Tennessee River Jam expenses for the 2026 production.
Representing the Paris-Henry County Chamber, Rob Goad and Emily Watkins initially requested $150,000 for the main event to be held downtown, but the Authority members agreed on $100,000, which would include money for the band (or bands), production and promotion costs. The date for the free downtown performance is September 8, 2026.
In the application, the Chamber noted the Tennessee River Jam has been a significant tourism draw since its inception in 2019. Although a week-long event, the final performance attracts between 6,500-11,000 individuals spanning more than 20 different states. Over the years, funding for the event came from private business sponsorships, donations, and the Tourism Authority program.
Tara Wilson, who is Executive Director of the Downtown Paris Association and Assistant Director of Paris-Henry County Industrial Committee, said costs have increased exhorbitantly for the musical acts, advertising, production, insurance, while funding has remained static over the years. “The costs have tripled since the beginning of the Tennessee River Jam. Nowadays, you can’t find any artists under $50,000 or $60,000 anymore. If we want to keep having the event, we’ll have to have more tourism dollars.”
Chamber officials have met with former sponsors to discuss the possibility of increasing their contributions, but while all sponsors said the event was a success they also agreed that slowing retail and food sales would prevent increasing funding or even matching prior contributions, according to information in the application for more funding.
The funding, they said, is requested in order to increase tourism draw, attract young families from other states, and drive additional retail and occupancy tax revenues.
In other business, the Tourism Authority approved $2,750 for the Tennessee BASS National Kayak Series tournament at Paris Landing State Park March 1-2, 2026. The tournament has been held here for the past severl years and is in conjunction with the Bill Dance Signature Lake Series.
Anglers travel from Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, and all over Tennessee to earn a post in the Tennessee BASS Nation Kayak Series championship. Anglers will be in the community multiple nights.
Photo: Aerial photo of Tennessee River Jam.