Paris, Tenn.–Activities for the 69th World’s Biggest Fish Fry will begin Saturday, April 23, with the Hushpuppy Dash 5K, Car Show and Demolition Derby.
General Manager Jordan Holland said the week promises to be a big one, with plenty of activities every day to keep everyone entertained. He said there are 42 entries so far for the Grand Parade on Friday, April 29, with 13 floats signed up. The Arts & Crafts Show will be a big one, with 130 vendors signed up and they’ll be displaying their crafts all over the fairgrounds, including the Enoch Building and under the pavilion.
A special feature this year will be the newly-restored 1927 American LaFrance fire engine that will be on display on the fairgrounds.
Governor Bill Lee has confirmed he will be at the Grand Parade this year. The West TN PBS station in Martin will be videotaping the parade again this year and it will be replayed on their station the next night.
Saturday, April 23
The Hushpuppy Dash will be held at the Henry County Fairgrounds at 8 a.m., with registration at 7 a.m. Cost to enter race is $20.
The car show will be at Sweet Jordan’s on Volunteer Drive with entry fee of $10 per vehicle. It starts at 11 a.m.
The Demolition Derby is at 7 p.m. at the fairgrounds. Entry fee $50. Admission $10; children 6-10, $5; and under five years old free. Pit passes are $20.
Monday, April 25
The Fish Fry kicks into high gear on Monday, April 25 with the kick off/street dance in downtown Paris. Ray Lewis Band will perform starting at 7 p.m. Free admission.
Tuesday, April 26
The carnival will be held from Tuesday, April 26 through Sunday, May 1 at the fairgrounds. Prime Time Carnival is this year’s carnival company. ATM machines are available at the fairgrounds.
The James Greer Band will perform at 7 p.m. at the fairgrounds. $5 admission
Wednesday, April 27
The Fish Tent opens on Wednesday, April 27, from 5 to 9 p.m. Hostess Princess Emma Brewer will toss the first hush puppy to open the tent. Fish plates all you can eat with all the fixings $15 for adults, $12 children 6-12.
The city of Paris’ antique 1927 American LaFrance has been restored and will be on display starting at 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 28
Christian Concert with The Jonathan Turner Band, $5 admission, 7-9 p.m., fairgrounds
Arts and Crafts show starts at fairgrounds at 5 p.m.
Brandon Lee concert, $5 admission, kids free, 7-10 p.m., fairgrounds
Friday, April 29
Grand Parade, 10 a.m. East Wood St. afterwhich Fish Tent immediately is open.
Championship Bulls and Barrels, 7:30 p.m., Admission $15, Children 6-12, $12; under six free.
Saturday, April 30
Small Fry Parade, downtown Paris, 10 a.m.
Bill Williams Catfish Races, 11 a.m. downtown Paris.
Junior Fishing Rodeo, 11 a.m. Williams Lake.
Championship Bulls and Barrels, 7:30 p.m.
Photo: What could be better than a plate of fish, fries, hushpuppies, beans and slaw from the Fish Fry? Photo by Shannon McFarlin.