By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—Perfect weather brought out the crowds—and a lot of smiling faces—at the World’s Biggest Fish Fry Grand Parade today. Some 80 entries, which included local marching bands and color guards and some dance troupes, as well as a LOT of candidates for federal, state and local offices.
Paris Police Chief Chuck Elizondo estimated the crowd this year at some 48,000 people who came from all over the region. With more entries, the parade was longer than last year, hitting the two hour mark.
One of the highlights of the parade was the appearance of the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales and their Dalmation, Clyde, who sat on the lap of one of the drivers along the parade route.
Another highlight was the performance of the Henry County Marching Patriots, along with the performances by the Bethel University Renaissance Regiment, McKenzie High school band, and the Henry County-Wide Band.
Another crowd pleaser was the appearance by the three most famous K9s in Henry County—Henry County Sheriff Monte Belew and his K9 Si, Deputy Wayne Fuqua and Cisco; and Deputy Stacey Bostwick and Rowdy.
Grand Marshal was Retired Brig. General Daisie Boettner of Paris, who was the first woman from Tennessee to graduate from West Point.
Winning the General Manager’s Trophy this year was the entry from the Carl Perkins Center in Paris.
Other winners were:
Most Original: first, Baby Bubble, second, Football All-Americans; third, Trolls.
Best Club or Church: first, Boy Scouts 222; second Paris FFA; and third, Henry Co. Republican Party.
Most Beautiful: first, Hippie Float; second, Gingerbread House; third, Crown Jewels.
Best Out-Of-Town: first, Iris Festival; second, Strawberry Festival; and third, Dresden Aging Center.
Former Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen, who is running for U.S. Senate to replace Sen. Bob Corker, marched in the parade, as did several candidates for Tennessee Governor, including former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, Speaker of the House Beth Harwell, Randy Boyd, State Rep. Craig Fitzhugh, U.S. Rep. Diane Black and Bill Lee.
The Henry County Officials were looking sharp in crisp white shirts on a float with the banner “Henry County United”.
The Fish Fry Hostess Princess Gracie Osbron and her court were another highlight, as were all the winners of the World’s Biggest Fish Fry pageants, along with winners of pageants for several area counties.
Other candidates marching in the parade included U.S. Congressman David Kustoff and State Rep. Tim Wirgau and his opponent Bruce Griffey. Prior to the parade, Wirgau hosted his annual Legislative Breakfast at which a huge crowd of local and state officials attended and also hosted a luncheon after the parade at which dinners from the Fish Tent were served.
The Paris FFA, which is the oldest FFA program in the U.S. brought along their trophy won this week for being named the West Tennessee Regional Champions. The two advisors, Laura Moss and Ryan Inman, sat in rocking chairs on their float.
As it has been every year for many years, the parade was broadcast live by WENK/WTPR. Anchoring our coverage was former State Rep. Don Ridgeway and his wife, Mary Kate, who was the long-time Henry County Extension Agent.
Photos: Clyde, the Budweiser Clydesdales’ Dalmation, rests on one of the drivers on the parade route; three of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office K9s–Rowdy, Si, and Cisco; Henry County officials; Grand Marshal Daisie Boettner. (Photos by Shannon McFarlin).
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