Paris, Tenn.–The Henry County Fair is off to a great start, with crowds for the BBQ Cookoff, kickoff dance with the James Greer Band, Dairy Show and ATV/UTV rodeo over the weekend.

On Monday, the festivities start in earnest with the Grand Opening Ceremonies at 5:30 p.m. The ceremonies include presentation of colors by the UT Martin ROTC, free hot dogs for the first 200 fairgoers.

Kids events start at 6 p.m., with free snow cones for the kids. Activities incude Power Wheel Race, Kiddie Tractor Pull, K9 demo, Pony Rides, Farm Toss, Wagon Rides and more.

Also at 6 p.m., Cody Bryson will have his chickens on site for Chicken Coop activities and the cornbread challenge will be judged in the Commercial Building.

At 6:30 p.m., the Battle of the Badges–cook-off style will be happening. The Paris Police, Paris Fire Department, Henry County Sheriff’s Office and Henry County EMTs will compete for bragging rights.

Photo: Large crowd line-dancing at the kick off dance with the James Greer Band. Marsha Banasiewicz photo.