By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.–Henry County doubled in size Friday morning as 65,000 people streamed into Paris for the 66th annual World’s Biggest Fish Fry Grand Parade.
The weather was perfect and there were plenty of smiles on everyone’s faces for the parade, which featured seven bands from the area which got everybody clapping. Bands in the parade included Henry Co. High School, Inman Middle School making its first appearance in the parade, the All-Henry Co. Band, Bethel University, McKenzie High School, Stewart Co. High School Band, and Marshall County High School Band.
The biggest applause of all was for Grand Marshal Jordan St. John, who was the inspiration for Sweet Jordan’s Ice Cream Shoppe in Paris which primarily employs staff with special needs.
The General Manager’s Trophy was awarded to the Tiny Tots, with other winners receiving trophies:
Most Original: first, Cub Scouts; second, L.I. Smith; third, Sweet Jordan’s Ice Cream Shoppe.
Best Club and Church: first, Paris FFA; second, Sandra and Kayla Nance Studio; third, Veterans’ Services.
Most Beautiful Float: first, Tiny Tots; second, Miss Pre-Teen; third, Little Miss.
Best Out-of-town Float: first, Iris Festival; second, Strawberry Festival; third, Paris Landing KOA Campground.
General Manager Cecelia Casey said, “The weather is just great. It’s been great all week. We had just a little rain last night, but the rest of the week for the Fish Fry has been great.”
Governor Bill Lee arrived after the parade for the Governor’s Luncheon, held at the Holy Cross Catholic Church across from the dignitaries’ stand at the parade. Several dignitaries from all over the region were on hand for the Dignitaries’ Breakfast sponsored by the Paris-Henry Co. Chamber and also held at Holy Cross Church.
Congressman David Kustoff, State Sen. John Stevens, State Rep. Bruce Griffey were all in the parade and county mayors and city officials from all over the area were on hand to watch the parade.
Photos: Grand Marshal Jordan St. John waves to the crowd; Buster Crosser, the Paris Elementary therapy dog, with his handler Deputy Eddie Crosser got a lot of applause; Tinleigh Johnson, Max Reeves and Lola Cate Reeves enjoy their bubbles on the parade route; General Manager Cecelia Casey, right, is interviewed on WTPR’s live broadcast by Mary Kate Ridgeway, Susan Jones and former State Rep. Don Ridgeway while Chamber Director Travis McLeese looks on. (Shannon McFarlin photos).
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