World's Biggest Fish Fry this weekend in Paris, Tennessee
Leaf Chronicle
The World's Biggest Fish Fry has its big finale this weekend in Paris, Tennessee, with carnival rides, catfish races, a fishing rodeo and, of course, fried fish.
The festival in Henry County, about 60 miles west of Clarksville and 60 miles northeast of Jackson, revolves around the Fish Tent, where over 12,500 pounds of catfish is served with all the trimmings, according to festival organizers.
The Fish Fry actually started as Mule Day in 1938. Farmers came to town on the first Monday in April to trade their mules and other farm products, and to do some shopping and socializing.
Early in the 1950s, the Chamber of Commerce took over Mule Day, complete with a parade and beauty queens. When tractors began to replace mules, the Chamber shifted from mules to fish, and it's grown into a major annual event for the entire region.
Here's the schedule for the rest of the weekend:
11 a.m.-midnight: Carnival at Fairgrounds. Prices vary.
11 a.m.-9 p.m.: Fish Tent at Fairgrounds. All you can eat, $12 for adults, or $8 for children ages 6-12.
7:30 p.m.: Pro Bull Riding at Fairgrounds. $10 for adults, or $8 for children.
10 a.m.: Small Fry Parade downtown.
10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.: Arts & Crafts Show at Fairgrounds.
10:30 a.m.: Catfish Races downtown.
11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Junior Fishing Rodeo at Williams Lake. Free for children up to 12.
1-6 p.m.: Carnival at Fairgrounds. Prices vary.
The Henry County Fairgrounds is at 517 Royal Oak Drive, Paris. For more, go to www.paristnchamber.com/home/events/fishfry/