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?

“Mule Day.” That was a 1938 event sponsored by the Post Intelligencer, the city’s daily newspaper. “Mule Day” picked up on a tradition where farmers came to town on the first day of April to trade mules and farm products, shop, and enjoy a social reunion with friends and neighbors.

Some fifteen years later, with tractors gradually replacing mules in this rural community, the Chamber of Commerce stepped up to the plate, searching for a new venue to replace what was becoming an out-of-date event.

Thus, in 1953, the Chamber sponsored the first Fish Fry., with less than stellar results. The fish fried were not culled from Kentucky Lake, and failed to please the palates of the locals.  The parade fell short as well.  This original iteration was held on a single day at Barton Field.

The event survived, though, and through the 1950′s began to grow. In the Camelot days of 1961, the Paris-Henry County Jaycees (Junior Chamber of Commerce) took over the event,and the “World’s Biggest Fish fry” was born.  In those early days the “fry” consumed 1600 pounds of fish, an amount that pales in comparison to today’s five tons of deep fried catfish. Yes, FIVE TONS. Cooked and dished up at the “Bobby” Cox Memorial Fish tent.

Another batch of Hush Puppies...keep 'em coming!

Community and business involvement in “World’s Biggest Fish Fry” brings the community together through many events: beauty pageants, parades, a country fair, tractor pulls, dances, a carnival, Catfish races, and the fish fry itself.

With the 2009 edition of the World’s Biggest Fish Fry just weeks away,  the Jaycees expect to continue the trend of “bigger and better’ every year. The fair has exploded from its “one day” origin to a full week of festivities, and some winter events like the beauty contests that feed into the final “Fish Fry” product.

Meanwhile, the Paris-Henry County community is waiting for more of that southern catfish and some flavorful hush puppies on the side. Me? Well, even though I am a newcomer, I hope to be wrangling a catfish in the races on a Saturday morning in April.

This year’s Fish Fry runs from April 20-27. For more information, visit the website: World’s Biggest Fish Fry.

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.

Annie King of McKenzie was named queen in the 6-7 year old category. First Maid, Best Dressed and Most Photogenic Awards went to Elizabeth Paige. Katey Holder of Paris was named Second Maid. Bobby Traywick of McKenzi had the Best Smile, and Abigail Bates of Paris was honored for Best Personality. Others in this category were Ashley Koch of Paris, Kaylee Elizabeth Haas of Paris, and Ashton Taylor Jordan of Paris.

Julia Marie Dye of Paris was named Queen and honored with Best Smile in the 8-9 year old category. First Maid and Best Personality went toTaylor Hathaway of Henry. Sidney Heath of Paris was named Second Maid and Best Dressed. Londyn Lampkins of Paris took Most Photogenic. Other competitiors in this category were Kailtlyn Hippo of Big Sandy,Olivia Harbor of Paris, Tori Starks of Paris, Hannah Lemonds of McKenzie, and Jayne-Shaye Bailey of Gleason.

Morgan Nicole Coker of Paris was named Queen and Most Photogenic. Shelby Morton of Paris was named First Maid, with Lydia Shoemaker of Paris as Second Maid.  Branda Moore of Paris had the Best Smile, and Caylee Hall of Paris was named Best Dressed and Best Personality. Others competing in this age group were Brook Gaylord of Paris and Chelsea Nicole Allen of Buchanan.

Nicki Harrison of McKenzie was named Queen, Best dressed and Best Smile in the 13-15 year old category. Shleby Elizabeth Beecham of Henry was named First Maid and Most Photogenic. Rumor Shaefer of McKenzie was named Second Maid. Sierra Renee Stiles and Tiffany Wilson, both of Paris, also competed.

Amanda Belew of Paris was named Queen in the 16-18 year old category, with Holley Mari Stearns of Buchanan as First Maid.

Each of the Queens received a trophy and crown.