When you think of Paris, Tennessee I am sure the last thing you think of is fish fry.  Evidently, Paris is home to the world’s largest fish fry.

The family and I went to Paris over the weekend to have fun at the city splash pad.  As we were pulling into town they had a “Welcome to Paris” sign that said “Home of the world’s largest fish fry.”  Naturally, I wanted to learn more.

Evidently, Paris cooks up over 12,000 pounds of catfish for 7 days in April. The fish fry dates back all the way to the 30’s and it was originally called “Mule Day.”  It was called Mule Day because farmers would come into town to sell livestock, go shopping and meet with other farmers. In the 50’s Mule Day was taken over by the Chamber of Commerce, they added a parade and beauty queens.

Mule Day was changed to a Fish Fry in 1953 but it wasn’t as successful as everyone hoped. In 1961 the Paris-Henry County Jaycees took over and turned it into the World’s Largest Fish Fry. The first year they took over more than 1600lbs of catfish were cooked and served.  Now, more than 5 tons of catfish are cooked and served.

It is now a week long event with music, parades, carnival rides, rodeo and more. Click here if you would like to learn more.