Activities & Events

THE MAIN EVENT! Welcome to the World’s Biggest Fish Fry Tent!

  • Location: Henry County Fairgrounds
  • Wednesday, April 23rd | 5pm - 9pm
  • Thursday, April 24th | 11am - 9pm
  • Friday, April 25th | 11am - 9pm
  • Saturday, April 26th | 11am - 9pm
  • Price per plate: $20/adult, $12/child (Age 6-12)
  • ** We take cash or card **

This is what you’ve been waiting for: THE MOUTH-WATERING, ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT CATFISH DINNER at the Fish Tent. Yes, we know it’s not really a tent, it’s a building. But back in the day, this fabulous meal was served in an enormous, canvas tent, so in the name of nostalgia (and Southerners love nostalgia) we call it a tent.

After purchasing a ticket for your catfish dinner with all the trimmings, hop in line and entertain yourself with the artwork of local children. The walls are decorated with hundreds of colored posters of catfish enjoying the carnival, riding a bucking bull at the rodeo, or swimming to the catfish races.

Hushpuppy Toss

The World’s Biggest Fish Fry Tent isn’t officially open until the Hostess Princess tosses the first hushpuppy! This deep-fried cornbread treat is pitched high in the air by the Hostess Princess to her happily waiting family. After the first toss, the Fish Fry Tent is officially open, serving all you can eat catfish dinners.

At the counter, volunteer servers from the community greet you and fill your plate with delicious, piping-hot catfish fillets fried to perfection along with tasty hushpuppies with just the right amount of C-R-U-N-C-H. Don't forget the mouthwatering beans, fries and your choice of vinegar or mayo slaw. (Event hint- they're both yummy!) Top it all off with an icy beverage at the PEPSI drink station. When you’re ready to start over, hop in the “seconds line”....this event is ALL YOU CAN EAT!

Mark your calendar for Friday, April 25, grab your lawn chairs, and enjoy a festive morning at the World’s Biggest Fish Fry Grand Parade

With marching bands filling the air with music and colorful floats passing by, it’s our favorite way to spend a perfect April morning.Want to be part of the excitement? Anyone can participate in the Grand Parade. This event is open to folks of all ages, including bands, civic groups, businesses, politicians, churches, and more. Floats are always encouraged and offer a creative way to reach thousands of people who line the street, listen on the radio, view online or on TV.

The Grand Parade kicks off festival season in Northwest Tennessee. The two-hour parade is pure Americana with its Grand Marshal, marching bands, the Hostess Princess Court, along with other youth-pageant winners. Fancy floats and decorated vehicles with enthusiastic youth groups, church groups, government organizations and more glide past. Around noon, dozens of handsome horses and skillful riders wrap up the parade.

Please don’t block driveways or the parade route. Potential participants can register for the Parade by Wednesday, April 23rd.

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A local favorite, the Small Fry Parade allows parents, businesses, schools, and other groups to show off the "littles” of our community in a scaled-down parade. Entrants walk the route or ride on colorful, non-motorized floats that are pulled by hand. Expect to see everyone from Humpty Dumpty to Elvis to a marching group of crayons in this parade that is always filled with fun surprises, great photo ops and plenty of “Awwww...” moments. Potential participants can register for the Parade by Wednesday, April 23rd.

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Experience the adrenaline rush from heart-pounding rides punctuating the carnival skyline.

  • Location: Henry County Fairgrounds
  • Tuesday, April 22nd | 5pm - 11pm | $20 Armband with School Coupon
  • Wednesday, April 23rd | 5pm - 11pm | $25 Armband
  • Thursday, April 24th | 5pm - 11pm | $25 Armband
  • Friday, April 25th | 11am - 11pm | $30 Armband (All day)
  • Saturday, April 26th | 11am - 11pm | $30 Armband (All day)
  • Sunday, April 27th | 12pm - 6pm | $25 Armband (All day)

The Ferris wheel offers breathtaking views of the festivities while classic rides cater to thrill-seekers of all ages. We’re proud to offer something fun for the whole family in Paris, TN. Rides not your thing? If there’s something the South knows, it’s food. Immerse yourself in the irresistible aroma of cotton candy, popcorn, deep fried oreos, caramel apples, funnel cakes and much more.

It’s a no-holds-barred battle to determine the last car standing!

Watch as drivers strategically crash and bash their way through the competition, vying for the coveted title of demolition derby champion. Only the toughest, most resilient vehicles will emerge from the wreckage. Bring the whole family for an evening of heart-stopping entertainment.

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Ready for a wild ride?

  • Location: Henry County Fairgrounds
  • Friday, April 25th | 7:30 PM (gates open at 6:00pm)
  • Saturday, April 26th | 7:30 PM (gates open at 6:00pm)
  • Advance Tickets: Adults: $12 | Children: $7 (ages 6-12)
  • Gate Tickets: Adults: $15 | Children: $12 (ages 6-12)
  • FREE admission for children under 6 when accompanied by an adult.
  • Books open on Monday, April 21st from 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm by calling 731-642-8346

Round up your family and friends for a weekend filled with bull riding, barrel racing, mutton bustin’ and more at the World’s Biggest Fish Fry Championship Bulls & Barrels Showdown! Experience the adrenaline as fearless riders take on powerful bulls and skilled barrel racers compete for the fastest time. Little cowgirls and boys eight and younger can enter mutton bustin’ -- riding sheep! Don’t miss out on the rodeo action! Purchase your advance rodeo tickets now and enjoy a night of country fun. You won’t want to miss this rodeo extravaganza.

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Picture a sparkling, spring-fed lake with scores of grownups helping young anglers bait hooks, cast lines and reel in hungry fish.

This has been the scene at Williams Lake during the Junior Fishing Rodeo for as long as most folks can remember. The fun starts at 11 a.m. and runs till 1 p.m. but consider arriving early for the best spot. Prizes are awarded to the boy and girl in each age group catching the biggest fish and the most fish. Age brackets are: 4 and under; 5-8; and 9-12.

(Event hint – Don't forget tackle, bait, blanket or chairs, sunscreen and bug spray. Concessions available onsite.)

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Discover Unique Handmade Creations

  • Location: Henry County Fairgrounds
  • Wednesday, April 23rd | 5pm - 8:30pm (Outside Vendor Only)
  • Thursday, April 24th | 5pm - 8:30pm
  • Friday, April 25th | 10am - 8:30pm
  • Saturday, April 26th | 10am - 8:30pm

Immerse yourself in a vibrant showcase of handmade wonders where talented artisans bring their unique creations to life. From intricately crafted jewelry to stunning paintings, there’s something for every art enthusiast.

Join the Fun at the Hushpuppy Dash 5K Run/Walk!

Runners in the Annual Hushpuppy 5K Dash/Walk enjoy a crisp spring morning at the fairgrounds in a friendly competition that celebrates a catfish’s best friend, the hushpuppy! Registration begins at 7 a.m. at the Fairgrounds with a race fee of $15 in advance, $20 on race day.

The event’s two classes include:

Runners/walkers 10-and-younger
Runners/walkers 11-69 years old

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Swimming down 15-foot, clear-plastic racing troughs, locally caught catfish compete for prizes for their sponsors.

Racers in each heat vie for gift certificates from local restaurants, trophies and best of all, bragging rights for an entire year. Everyone can participate in the Catfish Races by sponsoring a fish through a $25 donation in this stand-out event and those who register early will receive a colorful race t-shirt. Surprisingly, not everyone is excited about holding a slick, whiskery catfish. That’s why participants can request a “fish handler” to race in their place. No matter how many folks decide to participate, there’s always room for one more entry!

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Calling all automotive and bike enthusiasts to the World’s Biggest Fish Fry Car & Bike Show – where HORSEPOWER meets CATFISH POWER!

We want to see your cool classics and majestic moderns. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow car enthusiasts. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this World’s Biggest Fish Fry automotive tradition!

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Dance your cares away at one of the World’s Biggest Fish Fry Dances!

  • Kick-Off Street Dance:
  • Music provided by Ray Lewis Band
  • Location: Downtown Paris
  • Rain Location: Henry County Fairgrounds
  • Monday, April 21st | 7pm-9pm
  • Free Admission
  • Country Dance:
  • Music provided by The James Greer Band
  • Location: Henry County Fairgrounds
  • Tuesday, April 22nd | 7pm-10pm
  • $5 Admission
  • Christian Concert:
  • Music provided by Emily & Nathan Shoemaker
  • Location: Henry County Fairgrounds
  • Wednesday, April 23rd | 7pm-8:45pm
  • $5 Donation

The Kick-Off Street Dance, Country Dance, and Christian Dance all feature live bands; delicious food; and an opportunity to show off your best dance moves. These are more than dance parties, they’re a celebration of our community spirit and country roots.

Don't miss the new boxing event!

  • Catfish Clash:
  • Location: Henry County Courthouse Lawn
  • Rain out location: Henry County Fairgrounds
  • Saturday, April 19th | 10am - 11am Doctor & Weigh In | 12pm First Bell
  • Free Admission

The Kick-Off Street Dance, Country Dance, and Christian Dance all feature live bands; delicious food; and an opportunity to show off your best dance moves. These are more than dance parties, they’re a celebration of our community spirit and country roots.

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New this year! Join us for the C-Tier disc golf tournament!

  • Fish Fry Fling:
  • Location: Eiffel Tower Park & McNeil Park
  • Saturday, April 19th
  • McNeil Park | Round 1: 9am - 12pm | Lunch: 12pm - 1pm
  • Eiffel Tower Park | Round 2: 1pm - 3pm | Awards: 3:30pm - 4pm
  • Saturday, April 19th

The Kick-Off Street Dance, Country Dance, and Christian Dance all feature live bands; delicious food; and an opportunity to show off your best dance moves. These are more than dance parties, they’re a celebration of our community spirit and country roots.

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2025 Hostess Princess Court

  • Left to Right:
  • Halle Ann Casey, 5th Maid
  • McKenna Thrower, 3rd Maid
  • Jordyn Ingram, 1st Maid
  • Anne Claire Collins, 2025 Hostess Princess
  • Lainey Martin, 2nd Maid
  • Mary Claire Palmer, 4th Maid

The Kick-Off Street Dance, Country Dance, and Christian Dance all feature live bands; delicious food; and an opportunity to show off your best dance moves. These are more than dance parties, they’re a celebration of our community spirit and country roots.

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