By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–It was a perfect day for a parade and a perfect 69th World’s Biggest Fish Fry parade.
Paris Police Chief Ricky Watson estimated a crowd of 40,000-45,000 and said the crowds were solid all the way along the parade route. “No problems at all,” he said. “Everything went as well as we could have hoped.”
The parade started on a solemn note with a balloon release to honor Dwayne Baldwin, for whom the parade was dedicated. Baldwin has chaired the arade for many years but due to health concerns, could not be at the parade this year.
Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee walked the parade route. Other office holders in the parade included Congresspersons David Kustoff and Marsha Blackburn, incoming State Reps. Tandy Darby and Jay Reedy, State Rep. Bruce Griffey and District Attorney Matt Stowe.
Grand Marshal was Meaghan Thomas, Nashville Channel 2 meteorologist.
Henry County Mayor John Penn Ridgeway said, “This is a great day in Henry County. The weather is perfect and the fish is going to be hot.”
Governor Lee, Blackburn, Kustoff and other office holders were guests of the World’s Biggest Fish Fry at a dignitaries’ luncheon at the Fish Tent immediately after the parade.
Despite a conflict with a band contest in Nashville, several bands did march in the parade this year, including Henry County, Calloway County, Hollow Rock-Bruceton, Trenton-Peabody, Humboldt and Camden.
Parade entry winners were:
Most Original: 1. PBR Rodeo; 2. Sweet Jordan’s; 3. Charter Senior Living.
Best Club or Church: 1. Puryear Scouts, 2 VFW, 3. Puryear Lions.
Most Beautiful: 1. Miss Teen; 2. Little Prince and Princess; 3. Little Miss.
Best Out-Of-Town: 1. Iris Festival; 2. Heart of Dresen; 3. McLean Power Systems.
Live broadcast of the parade was aired on WTPR and WHNY with commentators Don Ridgeway, Susan Jones and Mary Kate Ridgeway.
Photos by Shannon McFarlin
David Webb with restored 1927 American LaFrance Paris Fire Truck
Grand Marshal Meaghan Thomas
Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee being interviewed by our Don Ridgeway
David “Tater” Hayes with famed aluminum foil ball–all the foil that’s been collected in the Fish Tent for the past 20 years saved in an ever-bigger ball.