Whose idea was this, anyway?

The World’s Biggest Fish Fry?

At first glance it might seem like a stretch of the imagination, but all you have to do is drop into Paris, Tennessee, in the early spring to know that this annual festival lives up to its proclaimed title.

To begin with, Paris, Tennessee, welcomes visitors to the city with a huge sign and a sculpted catfish — a declaration that fishing and the prospect of Cajun catfish or any kind of catfish fillets are big business here.

Yes, it is about the fishing. And the people who fish. And the people who have businesses that either supply the fisher-folk. And it is about everyone who simply wants to have a good time. Paris, a West Tennessee country community at the edge of Land Between the Lakes, has created an increasingly complex and continually growing festival to supply some very simple down-home fun. It’s fairly obvious that the entire community is behind this event… eagerly awaiting the fairs, the parades, and the infamous “catfish races.”

So where did it all begin? [Read more]

Jaycees name “Miss Snow Flake 2008″

The  Paris-Henry County Jaycees crowned their Miss Snow Flake 2008 Queens on November 22, 2008, at the Krider Performing Arts Center in an evening ceremony. The winners have been invited to enter and ride in the Jaycees Downtown Christmas Parade to be held December 12 in downtown Paris.

Pageant “Queen” awards were made in six divisions ranging from age 3 to age 18.

McKenna Rylee Thrower of Henry was named Queen and Best Dressed in the in the 3-5 year old category. First Maid and the Best Personality award went to Grace Fletcher Tori of Paris. Second Maid was Macy Brown of Paris, with Saiylor Marie Beacham of Mansfield was honored with an award for Prettiest Smile and Most Photogenic. Other contestants in this category include Kaylee Phifer and Gabriella Nowakowski, both of Big Sandy, Olivia Grace Wyatt of Paris, Lauren Marie Freeland of Paris, Paris Shea Schoeberl of Paris, Hannah Brewer of Huntington, and Jordan Alane Nance of Paris. [Read more]