-The following program is a West Tennessee PBS special pre made possible through the genero financial support of viewers lik Please visit westtnpbs.org and make a donation today so that we can continue to make local programs like this Thank you.

-Hello everyone from Paris, Tenn This is West Tennessee PBS's pro of The World's Biggest Fish Fry I'm Tyler Hawks along with Julie and we're going to be bringing y the action right here from Eastwood Street in Paris, Tennes the World's Biggest Fish Fry which began back in 1938 as Mule Day and in the 1950s.

It became the Fish Fry and in 1961 it became the World's Biggest Fish Fry which the Jaycees work on every We were talking to one of the le of the Jaycees yesterday and she said there are exactly 38 volunteers that put this all together.

It is really amazing.

-71st.

I did the math.

-Yes, you did.

-71st World's Biggest Fish Fry.

THP is coming up on us now.

We have some dignitaries.

The parade is underway and we're going to bring it to y -It's a really nice day.

The National Weather Service is like high of 82 today and as you can see in your TV sc it's a nice sunny day and temper I'm not sure, probably about 75, something like that.

Just absolutely perfect.

As the parade rolls on, we have more of the law enforcem and as Julie said, Tennessee Highway Patrol motorcy I'd much rather see them here than in my rearview mirror.

Yes, we have total respect for t Of course, they are the men and who protect and guard citizens across West Tennessee.

[sirens blaring] Yes, we're not going to try to c with the sound of the sirens.

We'll just let them blare as they will as they come throug Paris and Henry County Sheriff a and Tennessee Highway Patrol.

That's law enforcement and behin Search and Rescue for the Rescue so important volunteers across P and Henry County for the Rescue They are so important when you need them the most.

They are there.

We have a super good crowd today Everybody is here from West Tenn It looks like as you can see tha that Director Darryl Conner has or our photographer has got that he's picking.

By the way, Darryl Conner is the director to and he got Charles Glisson and the rest of the crew.

Couldn't do it without them and that's a nice shot there of the and everybody's having fun, you -Folks as far as you can see on either side of the street.

-Yes, it's pretty deep.

-I'm glad to see the sunshine to last year we got a little bit we -Yes, it was misting that has turned into rain.

There's only a 20% chance of rai as I checked from National Weather Service last ni As our commitment here at West Tennessee PBS, it is all about home.

We're in the Paris-Henry County for the World's Biggest Fish Fry As we say, it's all about home and we're in your home today.

Of course, we'll be at the Strawberry Festival coming up May 10th, I believe, is the Grand Floats P and Iris Festival and Trenton Teapot Festival will be streamed Check westtnpbs.org to find out when you can find these great hometown festivals in your area on your television or on your computer or iPad or w -We understand that last year 30 were in attendance through a cell phone survey and this year is expected even m -Yes, it is.

I can tell right no it's a really big crowd.

The weather has something to do This is Civil Air Patrol from Pa Tennessee, 38242.

We thank them for being here.

Very strong presence here for th and we can see down the route it is float time, it is royalty it is band time.

This is one of the really big pa in West Tennessee, and it never ceases to amaze me.

-This is their first year to be the color guard for the parade.

-Oh, it is for the Civil Air Pat -Yes.

-Glad to have them here.

-Certainly so.

-Coming up next after them there in the bronco there, that is the Grand Marshals and very influential people in Middle and West Tennessee, Bart and Mark Herbison are here.

If you've got one of the magazin of the Fish Fry, read the bio of these two men.

It's pretty incredible as far as their influence on bus and economic development in and around West Tennessee and Middle Tennessee.

It's pretty amazing and so they're being honored tod and they look like they're enjoying the whole event You can see the royalty coming u behind them.

I believe that is the hostess princess this year, which is Abbey Smith.

She's a 16-year-old daughter of James and Taz Smith and sister to Emily Ann Smith and Sam.

She's a sophomore at Henry County High School and a member of the Patriot Trac an active member of Future Farmers of America.

She says she is so proud to be the hostess princess for the 71s World's Biggest Fish Fry.

Abbey Smith and her court, aren't they beautiful?

Coming up, the National Guard.

Big, tough truck there, the National Guard.

They have work to do.

They do it all over the country in a great way when we need them the most.

The National Guard.

You can hear the air of that helicopter overhead.

I believe that's what it is.

John Stevens walking through.

State Senator John Stevens, he makes it to just about all the festival parades.

Coming up, the Marching Patriots of Henry County and Henry County-wide middle sch They're combined together this y Let's listen to them play.

[marching band playing] There they are.

-What a great performance.

-Henry County High School.

Henry County High School, middle school also together, making a big sound right here on Eastwood Street in Paris, Ten I believe that song was Country Road, -Take Me Home.

-Take Me Home by John Denver.

They are 110-strong.

-They sound great.

I don't know if you all know thi but Julie Cooke can be heard on WNWS 101.5 FM in Jackson, Tennessee in the afternoon.

She'll take you home with news and information you ne We used to work in radio togethe That's why we know the names of these songs.

Because we had to put the needle on the record or whatever or put the card in or put the wh We know, so we're going to try to guess t as we go, I guess.

-As we roll along-- -Cute little blonde fella there.

-Yes, they're loving the parade.

-Curls.

-This is Eagle Buildings and Merison's Home Furnishings t proud sponsors of the World's Biggest Fish Fry.

If you could live in that or have a nice home office or have a place in the back of your property where you could just hide out fo Coming up next is someone very well known in this representing us in Washington, D U.S.

Senator Hagerty is here.

There he is walking the parade r Getting in touch with the consti getting to tell us what's going on and let him tell what he's doing to these constit Then we have Tandy Darby who's a state representative aft [applause] [?]

[laughter] -It's a great day to be in the b of that Bronco, -no rain or anything.

-Absolutely.

What's more fun than standing up hanging out the roof?

[laughs] -Just got to see the field rep for Bill Hagerty, Matt Marino, who I graduated from high school from USJ just came through.

He's field rep representing West Tennessee for U.S.

Senator Bill Hagerty.

-We've got Glenn Jacobs.

-Knox County Mayor.

-All right.

-All the way from- -East Tennessee.

-East Tennessee, goodness.

-Oh this is a nice flow coming up after him.

Isn't that beautiful?

A lot of work went into that one -Living the sweet-- -Living the sweet life [crosstal at the World's Biggest Fish Fry with Queen Kinsley.

-Got some music playing.

That's part of it.

When I was in the Strawberry Festival one year I had music playing but my go-kart was too loud.

You couldn't hear it.

It was jus a total messing up thing.

-Stiles on Broadway is after tha -Miss Preteen.

-Miss Preteen?

-Yes, Kinsley.

-Then Tennessee Quality Care Hom Their slogan is bringing you compassionate care.

Tennessee Quality Care, and I can tell you from experien they're a very good health care and providing what you need when you need it.

-It's the junior queen.

-Yes, Kennedy-- -They are here FORE.

-F-O-R-E. -F-O-R-E, The World's Biggest Fi -It's a golf float.

All right.

-How cute is that?

-Oh, that's great.

It's a great idea.

-Queen Kennedy Duffy.

-After them the big John Deere tractor is pulling.

Blooming into the World's Biggest Fish Fry.

They're having a good time on that float too.

It's quite an experience to ride You're waving.

-You instantly feel important.

[ -It really is.

[?]

-Well, who doesn't love a parade -Right, exactly.

-Look at those little bitty ones They are tiny.

-Yes, so this is Little Miss Mackenzie -How cute.

Queen Callie Davidson.

-And her court.

-The court?

-Yes.

They're all waving just together They probably practiced that las I know they did-- I bet they did Been following them and the para -This is a-- -Dynamix Physical Therapy.

-Physical Therapy, yes.

Located all over West Tennessee.

No, including we have one in Hum Go to dynamix.life and go to their website, Dynamix Physical Therapy.

Hear the rat-a-tat-tat of another either middle school or high school band coming up ne We'll tell you who they are as they come up with their bulldog mascot there.

That's a nice mascot.

IMS.

Okay, IMS Bulldogs.

They're the-- Looks like the che -in front of the band.

-Pompom Squad.

-Pompom Squad, yes.

They're about to play the IMS Bulldogs Band.

-I'm guessing they dance just a little bit.

-Yes, they'll do a little dancin I guess.

Let's listen.

-2024 TMSAA Boys Basketball Clas Section 3 Champs.

IMS Bulldog Band.

[marching band playing] -That's the Inman Middle School with 65 members strong.

I don't know what that song was.

It may have been something they composed themselves.

I didn't recognize that but a gr -It's from Shrek, Hey, You're a -All that glitter is gold.

-[laughs] Okay.

You know, all right.

World's Biggest Fish Fry 7-11 Months Royalty.

Little Bitty- -Little Bitty.

-Royalty.

Power Generac Company is coming through.

Generac Sales Parts and Service right here in West T They've got three trucks coming -I think I see a Barbie house.

-Oh, really?

Oh, it's-- Barbie i it's a big theme after the movie and the craze of Barbie and a lot of little young ladies remember the days of having a Ba -It's pink Barbie houses.

[laugh -Pink Barbie houses, yes.

If you had that in the Easy-Bake you were really rocking.

-Fish Fry Dreamin'.

-Fish Fry Dreamin'.

The Barbie Dream House.

-Oh, that's nice.

I get it now.

-How adorable.

We've got Karis, Lucy, Avery and Hartleigh and Finley and Blair.

Is this-- This is Gwen's shoes.

-This is- -How cute.

-Scott Morrison running for property assessor.

His float in the form of a boat and that mighty big American fla they're waving.

It's just a good place to campai at a festival.

It's a great place to campaign.

You get the word out and your name out there and ever -I'm not going to get this many people together.

-No, you're not.

It's-- -More than a few times a year.

That's right.

You can get-- All you have to do take that boat and put it in the which is close by.

-This is Congressman Kustoff.

I'm not sure if he's in there or but that's his crew.

It looks like part of his staff, Another Barbie float is coming u just as a preview.

Another Barbie float, Julie.

-Let's go Barbie.

71st World's Biggest Fish Fry here in Paris today.

What a beautiful day it is.

-That's a really nice float.

It's eye-catching, very shiny, which are most floats.

-That's wonderful.

-Got Emma Cate, Riley, Millie, Addyson, and Ellie-- I believe, -Behind them is the Tennessee Suicide Prevention saving lives in Tennessee, a very important organization he in Western Tennessee and across Their theme is Don't You Give Up Now let's take a trip down the r and check in with Peter Noll, the general manager and CEO of West Tennessee PBS.

-Peter?

-Well, Julie and Tyler, we didn't know if the rain was g to hold off for the parade today but it did.

We are so much enjoying the beautiful sunny weather alongside on the parade route for the World's Biggest Fish Fry It is an exciting day.

You've got the royalty of variou towns community celebrations goi the bands that you can hear, different companies, organizatio that all come together to celebr Henry County and Paris.

That is what is so special about West Tennessee, is the pride the communities take in their ci in their communities, and to come together.

We're excited to be here because for us at WLJT, it is about community.

It's all about home, telling the story, showing the e talking about the issues of West Tennessee.

That's what West Tennessee PBS is all about.

It's all about home.

We can't do that without your do so go to your computer, pick up your phone.

The website is westtnpbs.org and click on the Donate tab.

Think about how much this means how important it is to have a television station that's dedicated to telling thes We don't sell commercials, we do it with your support.

Let's find out about some gifts we'll give to you when you do make a donation.

-All About Home is more than jus a catchphrase at West Tennessee It means that we're committed to bringing you the most local programming in the area.

You can help fund that local pro with your generous gift.

We'll thank you for your donatio at the $5 a month level, or a one-time donation of $60 with the West Tennessee PBS Cafe For as little as $10 a month, or a one-time gift of $120, you can keep local programs cont at West Tennessee PBS.

We'll say thank you with the Wes Tennessee PBS Deluxe Hydration B and the Cafe Mug.

Show your friends how much you b in local programming with the All About Home Messenge which we'll be sending to you along with the Cafe Mug and the Deluxe Hydration Bottle, with your gift of $15 a month, or a one-time gift of $180.

Your support matters to West Tennessee PBS.

Help us continue our mission of bringing you the most local programming in the area, because at West Tennessee PBS, it really is All About Home.

-Rolling down the parade route h trying to see, this is a nice Camaro, I know th Baptist Medical Group, BMG Twin Rivers Ortho, some medical folks- -From McKinsey.

-from McKinsey.

Okay, Paris and McKinsey it says -BMG Twin Rivers Ortho McKinsey.

-All right.

-Nice ride, wouldn't you say?

-Yes, really, that's going to ou my car by leaps and bounds.

-Charlie Cooper for State Senate -As we said, a good place to cam I remember when now Governor Bil would bring his big bus to the Strawberry Festival, and people really didn't know who he was at first, other than the people over in Middle Tennessee.

They campaigned and campaigned, and now he's, of course, Governor of the State of Tenness -Hometown Health Clinic.

Got a fishnet and a pup there.

-As we were talking about the hi before, it was Mule Day at first back in 1938, and then the '50s, the Chamber of Commerce made it the fish fry.

Then in 1961, the Paris Henry County Jaycees took over the fish fry.

Since 1961, they've had, oh, they've cooked over five tons of now have a Grand Floats Parade, and here we are in the 71st year of the World's Biggest Fish Fry Now another beautiful float.

-Ooh, the bake shop.

The PBS Channel 11 is replaying this year's World's Biggest Fish Fry parade multiple If you want to watch the parade you can go to westtnpbs.org for air dates and times.

Fish fry cutie pies.

The bake shop.

Oh, those little bitty ones.

They are tiny.

How adorable.

-Another colorful float coming u the parade route.

Looks like a princess with her, what do you call that, her wand?

-Oh, this is a Wizard of Oz them There's no place like fish fry.

-All right.

That's great.

-Oh, a tornado.

-Oh, there's the tornado ticket.

-We're not in Kansas anymore.

-We've got the Tin Man.

-Yes.

-The Cowardly Lion.

Of course, there's Glenda.

-Nice costumes.

-Yes.

WBFF, World's Biggest Fish Fry Tiny To Yes, they are tiny.

How precious.

-This is another feature in the -The mini Miss McKenzie with Queen Callie Mae Hatcher.

-They're waving and looking and maybe wondering what it's al Now they're learning about it.

-I think they're enjoying the ri -those girls.

-Yes.

Followed by the Pure Your Lions The Pure Your Day is coming up.

It says on May 18th.

Remember that?

The Pure Your Day on May 18th.

Lions Club does so much, especially for vision all across the country.

It's a wonderful organization.

-Be here before you know it.

-Yes.

Followed by them in the black je -Miss Gleason.

-Miss Gleason, yes.

Your vision is better than I. I couldn't read.

Yes, Miss Gleason.

Okay.

-Oh, look at these little cheerl -Little princesses.

-Lila Grace, Adabelle.

Let's see who else have we got.

Molly, Rainy, and Macklin.

-Then you have a state farm representative.

Is there coming through?

-That's the World's Biggest Fish Fry Little Princess.

-Oh, Okay.

Okay.

This is the Finish Line Car Wash You go to flcarwash.com and find out more and they'll clean you up.

Then the Henry County 4-H Club, so important to communities and students everywhere.

There they are on a few bales of and a man playing the banjo.

I think he's playing it.

-Maybe he's playing like he's pl -He is playing it.

-Yes.

He's the next.

What is the Snyder guy from West Tennessee?

-Mike Snyder.

-Mike Snyder.

-Yes, Mike Snyder.

I'm sorry.

-He might be.

-Yes, he may be the next one, -Mike Snyder from the Grand Ole -From around these parts.

-Yes.

-This is Thriving at Home Senior -Serving West Tennessee and Kent Thriving at Home.

They're in the convertible too, which is a great vehicle to have and all summer long.

-Perfect day.

-It's almost time for another ba When they approach, we will be quiet and let you hea because we know you have childre and grandchildren in this band.

You want to hear them?

It's the Camden Central High Sch Marching Band right here in Paris, Tennessee for the World's Biggest Fish Fry [marching band playing] -Camden Central High School Band Britney Spears, Toxic.

-Might recognize that tune.

-I believe it.

I believe you're -Nice horn section there.

-Not an easy song to do.

-No, I don't think I've heard that played by a band -Those marching lions had it tog today at the World's Biggest Fis -Yes, they did.

-Camden, Tennessee.

That's a pretty strong band.

To have all those people doing the same notes, it's not easy.

-Let's see.

We've got some little motorcycle Oh, my goodness, how adorable.

From Eloise, Kaislynn, and Maggie on their little mini Harleys, it looks like.

-You know, Julie, I'm from Humboldt, Tennessee, and I can't help but be very pro when I see that West Tennessee Strawberry Festival mascot.

-That's right.

What's his name?

Doesn't he have a name?

-Amanda Love would know.

She's the executive director of the chamber [?]

We're being told it's named the -Well, I knew that.

I thought he had a name.

-Like Henry?

-Something like that, yes.

West Tennessee Strawberry Festival royalty.

-Behind them, that's Anne Short waiting on the left, and Mitzy Privet on the right.

That's the President and General and they have a lot of work behind them and ahead of them.

Coming up May 5th through the 11 come on up to Humboldt for the West Tennessee Strawberry Festival.

-There's so much time and effort in these floats.

It's so cute.

-It's beautiful work on a lot of -I'm sure they start months ahea -They absolutely do.

-This is Dyersburg State.

Prepare for the jobs of tomorrow You can go to dscc.edu Dyersburg State Community Colleg The campus has really grown, and the school has really grown over the years.

I can remember, I took a couple of classes there when I was a student at UT Marti in the summer or something.

It was impressive then, but really impressive now.

It's really grown, the Dyersburg State Eagles.

-I think you've got more hot pin coming up here.

-Let's see.

-Oh, yes.

-Miss Eiffel Tower, 2024.

-Landry and Charlotte.

Landry is the pre-teen queen, and Charlotte is the junior quee -More hot pink.

Seeing a lot of that this year.

It's a hot color.

-And there goes the-- -Jojo the Clown.

-Jojo the Clown.

Is he with the Shriners?

-This is the Little Miss Gibson.

-Gleason.

-What did I say?

It's Little Miss Gleason, Fallon, and Farah.

-Ms. Tatertown.

They're having a good time.

Now, these guys, they show up to these festivals, -and steal the show for a moment -Oh, the Shriners.

-They really do.

In fact, I see a man from Humbol who's a Shriner.

Mr. Danny Mylum is riding there -as he's waving.

-Oh, look at their possum queen.

Now, she's -a picture of elegance there, do -She is.

She doesn't look like a possum q as you would say.

The Shriners do so much work, and they have the special burn h -Oh, absolutely.

Makes you long for junior sample don't it?

When you see those trucks.

-Come on in.

-All those trucks and big overal -Shriners Hospitals for Children They're out of Shriners from Memphis, Tennessee, in honor of Marvin Umbarger and Robert Carter, the Shriners from Memphis.

Following them is the Republic S Sanitation Company out of West T proud to serve your community in that white truck there, as yo Following that white truck is a The Jeep has the duck on the top -and there's some type of-- -Making home dreams come true since 1982.

-There's something along the the of the duck and the jeeps.

I'm I'm not sure about it, but I see a lot of the little du within the jeeps.

-That's a nice ride.

-It's Bass realty.

-There's somebody's dog there in the back seat.

He's not waving, but he's happy.

-That's why they say it's a dog' -That's what they say it's a dog -Dogs get that royal treatment.

Sweet Jordan's.

Yummy treats.

Focusing on abilities, not disab -What a wonderful business that is and become very successf -by the way, too.

-Baked goods, and ice cream, and coffee at Sweet Jordan's.

-I think I may just get up and follow them wherever they're -That sounds pretty good.

-I'm not sure they're cooking to -No, they're probably not.

-I'm sure they'll have something -Ice cream may be tasty this aft Who do we have here in the black truck there?

-Let's see.

-Queen Elaina Twitty.

-Ms. Mckenzie or Ms.-- -Then coming up, this is Ms. Mck [?]

-Behind them is a large radio gr that we're familiar with as radi from Forever Communications.

This is the Northwest Tennessee radio stations.

They got WTPR 94.1 The 104.7, Rock 105.5, and they're represented from Forever Communications.

Well, there's the taxi.

It looks almost like a New York -Two taxis.

-Those little ones are having fu Paris taxi.

Another one.

-As we've said, you can see that crowd is very deep and very enthusiastic and impressed with everything they're seeing here during the World's Biggest Fish Fry par and it's 71st here.

There's Paris First -UPC.

-Presbyterian?

I'm not sure.

Paris First UPC is one of our church floats, Growing in God.

-Then we have behind them Honest Abe Roofing.

Honest Abe.

-America's reliable.

-Can't get more honest than that -No, you can't.

That's right.

A lot of people, after all this heavy rain, need [siren blaring] Can't compete with a siren, so I'm just going to pause now and let them roll through.

[siren blaring] -The city of Perrier Fire Depart -Yes, they run in the house when everybody's running out because of the dangerous fire.

-It's an amazing job they do.

-We couldn't do without our firs -We were talking about the Strawberry Festival earlier.

West Tennessee PBS will be in Hu for this year's West Tennessee Strawberry Festiv Grand Floats Parade, so be watching for that.

Then May 6th, West Tennessee PBS Channel 11 is live streaming on Facebook, the Dresden Irish Festival and Trenton Teapot Festival.

Again, those are coming up on Saturday, May 6th.

Make sure you've liked West Tennessee PBS on Facebook.

Just search for West Tennessee P and you can find it.

We are everywhere these days.

[applause] The dignitaries and the crowd is standing up -for these heroes Unforgotten.

-This is the Adopt a Vet program West Tennessee, Helping Our Hero Unforgotten, MC.

-Got a big round of applause the West Tennessee.

-Adopt a Vet.

-Veterans parade is coming up in November 11.

Go to westnvets.org, and you can find out more about These are some of the mighty West Tennessee vet rolling through here.

We're glad to have them and proud to have them.

-There is a West Tennessee Veterans Coalition in Jackson that raises a lot of money for veterans in crisis, helping with bills and things li They do a lot of great work.

westtnvets.org if you want to find out more about that.

Cricket Wireless, that's the little green guy.

Little green, fuzzy, furry ball.

-Cricket Wireless.

-Oh, my goodness, what a monster -Here we come.

-What A truck.

This is a-- I guess you'd call it an 18-wheeler.

It looks like some type of farming or agriculture.

-What is it?

Bacon by-- -Bacon by-- -Incorporated in Henry, Tennesse -Oh, Bacon by Gosh.

-They're-- -Henry Tennessee.

-Can't have enough bacon.

-You can't.

-Put it on everything.

[laughter] -Big old cheeseburger.

-Oh, that's right.

Exactly.

-Put it on everything now.

-This is a real trend and growing businesses across th These nutrition places where they have the shakes and smoothies and health drinks.

This is Paris Nutrition.

Guess what folks?

It's band time again.

Turn up the volume.

Stewart County Marching Rebel Ba from Dover, Tennessee from Up th A piece, I guess you could say.

Let's listen to them and see what they do for the cro [marching band playing] -Stewart County High School Band 30 members Strong.

That is the Castle Car Wash. -Come on in.

They'll link out.

-castlewash.com.

Check them out.

-It's a good time to get your car washed here in these spring summer days.

Then we have someone running for Henry County.

Mayor Randy Geiger for Henry Cou as we set a good place to campai Get your name in there as the elections come close.

Then as she waves more beautiful from the World's Biggest Fish Fr She is Teen Miss Mackenzie Addis That is a beautiful crown.

It's a big crown.

That's like a-- My goodness.

It takes a special to hold the crown and carry the crown and walk with the crown.

Talking about trends.

Are you a pickleball player, Jul -I haven't picked that up yet, but I'm thinking I'm going to have to do that.

Oh, look at these Catfish.

-My stars.

-Oh my goodness.

-Just a fun golf cart there.

Pickleball.

-Paris Pickleball Club.

-Wow.

It's so strong.

They have their own club.

-Sweeping the nation.

I'm telling you.

-Everywhere.

-It is.

Tournaments and everythi They're going to play a little bit in front of us.

-Show us how it's done, -Demo.

-Let's see.

We are a big dill, D -on this T-shirt.

-Oh, that's true.

That's good.

-How cute is that?

They've got inflatable pickles and a dancing pickle costume mas There's a lot to do with that.

With the pickleball.

We are a big deal.

DILL.

Love that.

It's good for you.

We both need to take it up.

-I know.

We do.

We need to do tennis or pickleba or just walk around the block is what I need to do.

-Pickleball truck even with the inflatable pickles All smiling and looking cute.

-Well, that's got to be a lot of to get out and do that.

Good exercise.

-Well, you get to the point where tennis just might be a little rough on your knees.

-It really is.

I used to play tennis in high sc and some in college, and you have to wear-- Next thing you know you're weari one of those braces.

-Elect Robert Abbott Jr. Assessor of property.

-This beautiful, and they're always well-clean fi This parish fire truck is rollin and I think they call that a lad Because It has a ladder on top.

That is ladder one of City of Pa Very impressive.

-We're grateful for our first responders.

-A ladder truck like that can go into second-story homes or large buildings.

-This is-- -Is it Peco?

-Peco-- -Signs and wraps.

-Signs and wraps, yes.

A lot of marketing is done on th -These cars.

--signs and wraps.

-Trucks and cars and vans and all kind of wraps.

-Now, why don't you have one with your picture on it for your -Well, you know, I should.

[laug -Julie Cook is coming down the r -It would be jumping out of the -Here she comes.

-Afternoon fire.

-They do flags, tents, decals and stickers, and vehicle graphics, as we said -Well, we'll step back in time with some classic cars, as you can see.

Isn't that beautiful?

Wow.

-Now.

what is that one?

-I don't know what kind of car t The one behind it is a Plymouth.

I know that because it says Plym and apparently it has a Hemi in Because it has the semiplate on They're probably going to get a little loud here as they go by Or maybe not.

They may be polite during this p -I don't know.

-Look at that beauty.

-Wow.

Restored and beautiful.

-The Rocky T Ranger Mobile from West Tennessee PBS.

How about that?

That's from the PBS Kids Channel -Check out Rocky T. -Rocky T has its own vehicle now -and obviously has its own crime -Been wrapped.

-That's right.

-He gets driven around.

He's a pretty important fellow.

-It's an important position, -is in public relations.

-Good to know people.

Right?

-I want to know if he has an off That's the question.

-Real hope.

R-E-A-L Hope Youth Center.

Gateway to Real Hope Teen Center -Then we have a different kind of float here rolling along.

This is Kale's Auctions Real Estate Company, Tennessee Real Estate Company, and Kale Auctions here.

You can go to kaleauctions.com and find out more about them.

There's another one of those mini houses behind it.

-The little fellow with the mic.

Maybe a junior auctioneer.

-He may be a junior auctioneer.

-The golden retrievers on the ba -Look at that.

-Oh wow.

-Oh my goodness.

-Those are beautiful dogs.

-Beautiful dogs.

This is Day College of Cosmetology in Paris, Jackson, and [?].

-As we roll along here, I'm sorr As we roll along, I'm just going we're about an hour into this pa which usually lasts about an hour and a half to two hours.

I'm not sure how long this will.

We've been here for an hour.

Let's check in with Peter Noll, general manager and CEO of West Tennessee PBS.

Peter.

-Hello, Tyler.

Hello, Julie.

Welcome to Alongside the Parade I am joined by tens of thousands of other people on this very beautiful day for the World's Biggest Fish Fry in Paris, Tennessee, Henry Count It is just gorgeous outside.

If I could pick more beautiful w I don't think I could, this is b We are excited to be here at the World's Biggest Fish Fry.

I got my hat last night at the F It is just so exciting to see the community come together to c what makes Paris and Henry Count West Tennessee.

PBS Channel 11 i to be here and be involved to br this parade to your television s We are going to be broadcasting throughout for many times, so you'll be able to catch it with your friends and family, firetruck going by right now.

We also stream it.

We have the PBS app, and if you haven't downloaded it please do so, it's totally free.

All of the programs that WLJT produces are free to w When you donate just $5 a month, you get access to all the progra all your favorite PBS programs, and we have some other thank-you gifts as well when you make a donation, and let's find out about those.

-All About Home is more than just a catchphrase at West Tenne It means that we're committed to bringing you the most local programming in th and you can help fund that local programming with your generous gift.

We'll thank you for your donatio at the $5 a month level or a one-time donation of $60 with the West Tennessee PBS Cafe For as little as $10 a month or a one-time gift of $120, you can keep local programs continuing at West Tennessee PBS We'll say thank you with the West Tennessee PBS Deluxe Hydration bottle and the Café Mug.

Show your friends how much you b in local programming with the All About Home messenge which we'll be sending to you, along with the Café Mug and the Deluxe Hydration bottle with your gift of $15 a month or a one-time gift of $180.

Your support matters to West Tennessee PBS.

Help us continue our mission of bringing you the most local programming in th because at West Tennessee PBS, it really is, All About Home.

-This is the Tom Scouts.

Do your best, absolutely.

-It's Pack 28 right there.

-Love seeing all those little on Pack 28.

-Any Eagle scouts in there, or maybe they're too young for t -Future Eagle Scouts, probably.

-Future Eagle Scouts, it's usual -Joincubscouting.org if you want to get your young on involved in that.

-Remember, you can watch the world's bigges fish fry grand parade program on demand anytime you want, just download the PBS app on your smart TV, Roku, phone, or tablet.

All of Channel 11's local progra can be found there, and you can watch them whenever you want to along with all of your favorite like Antiques Roadshow and Frontline and the BBC News at 96, Nightly Business Report.

The list goes on and on for great PBS programming and great programming here in West Tennessee on WLJT-TV.

-These are the Click Peppers automotive dribblers.

-They have their own basketball More royalty on this beautiful c and beautiful, young ladies here -Who are they?

-You got Ivy, Kate, Donegan as Iris princess, and Graceland Ives as Miss Paris Volunteer.

She'll be in the Ms. Tennessee volunteer pageant here in a few months.

-Here's more royalty.

-Emma Grace Datson, Miss Paris' teen volunteer, and Ali Ridgeway, Miss Paris.

-After the royalty here, we have representatives from Century 21 Platinum Propert riding in the truck, and then they have the big eagle and a very nice boat.

Wow, that's a very nice boat.

Makes you dream of being out on They now come with audio systems where you listen to a CD or listen to the radio right there in the boat.

It's very nice.

We're not far from the lake eith More royalty coming up the road -This looks like Dresden Iris Ro -Beautiful young ladies.

That's a beautiful float too.

As we've said, it takes months ahead of time to put the floats together and several families come togeth and they're getting a big round of applause from our reviewing stand.

-Got some fans back there.

-Yes, they do.

-2024 Iris Festival Royalty from the different age groups th We got Peabody High School marching band coming up.

-Band of Gold from Trenton, Tenn home of the Trenton Teapot Festi I've seen those teapots right there by the police statio and it's a wonderful collection.

-So beautiful.

-It's just amazing.

It's really something people should check out when you're in Trenton.

Let's listen to the band.

[music] The Trenton Peabody band playing I think I know what it is.

It may be a medley of songs, but I could definitely hear, -one of the-- -Rolling on the River.

-From Tina Turner.

-Tina Turner, 52 strong.

Peabody high school band and the Eiffel Gardens Senior li -This is Vanderbilt Life Flight.

Very important when we need them to fly in and take care of people who need it immediately.

Vanderbiltlifeflight.org is where you can find more informat Vanderbilt Life Flight ambulance behind them.

They are popping up in more comm more and more at airports, featuring helicopters to be ther when people need to go to Vanderbilt Hospital.

-Cub Scout Pack 226, the Puryear Christian Life churc -I think they might have a song -A little chant there.

-Oh, a little chant, that's it.

We have scouts from Puryear.

-I noticed the parents are loude than the children.

They're into it.

Strength for the day, hope for t Tomorrow's Hope clinic and famil in Paris, Tennessee.

-Tomorrowshopeparis.org, their w -We saw the one helicopter group Vanderbilt Life Light.

We know of Air Evac Lifeteam, who I believe has subscriptions, and memberships you can get, it's a global medical response s they say, Air Evac Lifeteam.

We invite you to get one of these magazines from the fish fry parade.

It's Abby Smith on the front, who's the hostess Princess on 71 If you don't already have that b get it.

He's trying to honk right when I'm trying to talk, -I think, intentionally.

-I think he's doing it on purpos -He can see me from a distance.

-HC Spinks Clay Company, digging West Tennessee for decad -That's a big truck.

[car honks] When we at West Tennessee PBS sa we are all about home, this is what it means being right here in the backyard right here in Paris, Tennessee covering events like this.

-Thank you, sir.

-He just got handed an envelope.

Is that the Oscar winner?

What i -Springville Community Volunteer Fire Department event, June 8th, New Harmony Baptist Church for community gathering.

Pancake breakfast and all kinds Get in touch with the Springvill Community Fire Department, Volunteer Fire Department for their fundraiser on June 8th -This is Shamrock dirt and forestry company.

Big-time machinery there.

Big John Deere.

-You ever think about driving one of those?

-No.

I'm not certified or qualified t I could drive it through the Dairy Queen drive-through, so it's useless.

Can't use that.

Cleaning to you, company.

-Take out to you.

Lawn Care to you.

-We're rolling along at a pretty good pace here, and behind them from Forever Communications, another one of their big radio s or maybe the biggest, -Froggy- -Froggy 103.7.

-They're related to Froggy 104 i -Jackson sister stations.

-Playing hot country.

-Good country music.

-Good country.

-There's Mr. Froggy.

Two Mr. Froggies.

Let's see what we've got.

Total Wave Auto Spa on Mineral Wells Avenue in Paris It's like a little dolphin swimming with the dolphins.

-Is this your limousine or whose limousine is this?

-I didn't know if you had a-- -First class limousine?

-Yes.

[laughs] -Tyler, I don't have a limousine -You don't?

Oh, I thought maybe that was your ride to lunch or s -I think I'd have to call that phone number on there.

-Yes, there you go.

-There are two of them, actually -Were you in a limousine for you -I don't think so.

We didn't do that back then.

We didn't have limousines back in the old days.

-You had to rent a tuxedo or a d and then you had to pay for that -That's true, we didn't think ab going in a limousine.

-Yes, Mama just- -That's right.

-get the station wagon on it.

-That's right.

Weakley County Office on Aging and Senior Center.

The Dresden Senior Prom.

King Dick Fainer and Queen Phyll -How sweet.

-Oh, they're having a good time -Oh, look at that -Rocking the rocking chairs.

in the rocking chairs with the p -More royalty after them in the Waving along with the crown.

-That is the Miss South Carroll -There's so many activities at the World's Biggest Fish Fry I can count 15 on the list of activities there.

Yes, 15 or maybe they have more than that aren't listed, but that's a lot going on this w It is the best time to be in Par -There's one activity that I want to go to as soon as we get done, and that is the big fish tent.

-Yes.

-The last to count, over 12,500 pounds of catfish served with all the trimmings.

-I can tell you from experience, I went last night with Director of Production Darr and Producer and Editor Mr. Charles Glisson.

We went to the fish tent and we went back for seconds.

I had to have some of that vineg Are you a vinegar slaw or a mayonnaise slaw person?

-Oh, mayonnaise all the way.

-Yes.

-Mayonnaise all the way, yes.

-I like vinegar slaw with barbec -Yes, I can do it if it's mixed with barbecue.

-Hushpuppies were great, everyth -38242 Vintage Mall.

-All right.

-Is that one?

Yes, I'm a pretty big slaw fan.

-It sets the tone for the whole -Yes, you've got to have that.

-Paris Landing Fire Department.

-That's another- -Thank you.

-they call it a ladder truck.

They can go up high with that.

I learned back as a news reporte covering crime and fire and ever that the fire trucks are clean because it's about safety.

It has to be extremely clean because otherwise, it's not as s I guess the electronics of it and the machinery doesn't need to be dirty.

Seems like they're always cleani the fire trucks.

-Tennessee Choice Plumbing.

Oh, I think they're passing out rolls of toilet paper.

-Okay.

-A few years ago that wouldn't have been possible Remember the TP shortage?

-Absolutely.

Oh, that's right.

-Yes, that's right.

-Yes.

-It was a very valuable thing.

-That's something I've never see a giant inflatable toilet.

-Oh, my goodness.

It is a work of art.

-Yes.

-Coming down the parade route.

-Work of air.

-Yes, it's an aired-up thing the -Pretty catchy there.

That's the first time I've ever toilet paper passed out at a par I'll tell you that.

-No, I've never seen that either It's a creative idea that I wouldn't have thought of.

-Absolutely.

-Friendship Baptist Church, you catch them, Jesus cleans them.

All right?

Friendship Baptist Church in Fri -Now, let's see, they are locate I'm sorry, I don't have the town right in front of me.

-Okay.

-Up around these parts.

-Yes.

-Not Crockett County Friendship, but maybe it'll tell us on the b -There are fishers of men there -Right.

-Yes, maybe we can see from the That's an interesting place to b during the parade up top on the top of the truck ther I'm afraid of heights.

I couldn't handle that.

-Kingsley LLC Tree Service.

Yes, that would be a fun place t -Oh, my goodness.

Right there on the top.

I'm afraid of heights.

I can't handle that.

-It would be moving, too.

-Yes, it'd be moving, too.

Oh, my goodness.

I don't want to have to think ab -More Kinsey.

Oh-oh.

-It's getting a little windy her We're losing some of our papers and material.

-Kinsey Tree Service, debris hau disaster relief, stump grinding.

All kinds of services for you.

-The temperature is still right I'd say about 72, 75 degrees, and a light wind.

It is really nice and pleasant h in Henry County, specifically Paris, Tennessee, on Eastwood Street, where you can find, I don't know 30, maybe 50,000 people here thi for the World's Biggest Fish Fry -Bethel University in Carroll County, Tennessee, volunteer royalty.

This one.

The American Red Cross disaster relief vehicles.

Yes, we're starting to get a little cloud cover.

It started sunny.

-Partly cloudy.

Yes, it is.

-Hopefully that's all we're goin -Yes, it'll, as they say, it'll -Our Red Cross, they're a lot of folks' time of -Yes.

Talking about weather, I remember the Strawberry Festiv one year, it looked like rain, and they called a meteorologist, maybe Dave Brown in Memphis, and said, where is the rain, how close is it in Humboldt?

They said, you wait 20 minutes and you can start the parade.

Sure enough, 20 minutes and clea and they're ready for the parade More royalty in this nice Merced They're a Paris 2024.

-Miss Paris 2024.

-I think Miss Princess.

Can't really see it.

Pretty girls.

Here comes Miss Dresden and cour -Yes.

That's a beautiful float.

high up there to be up there in Henry Fire and Rescue rolling al -Henry.

The Miss Dresden court, Miss Junior Dresden, and Little Miss Dresden.

[siren blaring] [honking] -This is God's Garage Band.

-Rolling along.

-From the concept, it does look like a garage, does -They sound really good.

-Yes.

-Got a drummer, keyboard player, guitar, bass player.

Reviving and Thriving Transition behind them in the red truck.

Their slogan is, we do recover.

-Uncle Sam coming here.

-Yes, I want you.

What does it say on the side the Election day.

Oh, okay, I want you to vote is what they're saying.

August 1st and November 5th.

Okay.

It says Tennessee is ranked numb in election integrity.

Okay.

-2024 Little Miss Gleason, Blair Chandler and her court.

-I love that color of Mustang.

That's beautiful.

-I wonder why.

You wouldn't be a Tennessee fan or anything.

-Absolutely, a University of Tennessee fan.

Graduate of the University of Te in Martin, -so I'm loyal.

-There you go.

The Henry County Medical Center, local health care for over 70 ye [background noise] -Little cuties there.

Just waving so big.

-Oh, yes.

I tell you from experience being in parades as a little kid you really get worn out.

Toward the end, you really get w -Henry County Medical Center.

-Yes, I drove past that coming i -Oh, my goodness.

Look at the Great Dane.

-Wow.

-He might need a little drink of water there.

-Yes.

Maybe.

-That's a big dog.

[background noise] -Coming up, it looks like we hav some royalty there in that white I'm not sure.

Here's the Mansfield Volunteer Fire Department.

Volunteers saving lives, putting out fires.

It's a big job, and they do it e -Two trucks.

You know those little ones get such a thrill riding in that big -Oh, yes.

That's a treat.

To be told you're going to ride to the parade, that's really a treat.

-One of the biggest things in the parade.

[laughs] -One of the biggest boldest thin in the parade.

-What kid doesn't love a fire tr -Coming up, this is Charter Senior Living of Their slogan is "Enhancing the human spirit on assisted living and memory care community," known as Charter Senior Living.

-Here is-- -I think Jojo's got some buddies This is the amazing Jojo.

We saw Jojo a little while ago.

-This is an odd sight.

-This must be his family.

-Oh, okay.

Yes.

-[laughs].

I love Ferris wheel tickets.

Look at that.

Yes, these are some of Jojo's buddies from-- Is that Charter Senior Living?

-Yes, they're along with them, I -Of Paris.

-Now, this looks like my grandfather's old Chevy truck Look at that classic.

It's beautiful.

Shiny black.

Oh, wow, that's great.

-Beautiful truck.

-Black and red.

-Hear that rumble?

-Yes.

-Build pizzas and careers.

Apply online at Casey's.

Famous for pizza.

It's looking pretty good right n -Yes, that's right.

-[laughs] Playing Dolly Parton's Casey's General Store.

-This is Explicit Lash & Wax Stu rolling through here with the ey on the two of them.

-The eyelashes on the headlights You got to love it.

-It adds a little character to the vehicle.

-Yes.

Robin O's Motorcycle ATV Service Look at that bike.

Is that a bike?

That's like a superbike of some -Yes, that is a superbike.

-My goodness.

How about that?

Got the pup sitting there.

[laug -Riding along.

After them, it's a well-known co in the Murray, Benton area.

This is a serve pro.

Cleaning, restoration, and const -Some more little fellows with t -Yes.

Then the serve pro 18-wheeler.

W I didn't know they had someone.

-A disaster recovery team.

-Okay.

Storm team support.

-Yes.

It's for larger areas when they have to go in after st or some type of disaster.

Don't forget, Channel 11, PBS is replaying this year's World's Biggest Fish Fry Parade multiple times.

If you want to watch the parade you can go to westtnPBS.org for air dates and times, and it'll let you know the schedule on that so you can see the parade all ov -One of the greatest things to come to West Tennessee, PBS, is the new PBS app that you can You download that, and you can do things on demand and have control of the programming you see.

It's a great thing, the PBS app.

There's how you travel in style right there in the RV there.

-That's right.

The KOA campground, folks.

-Oh, my goodness.

I remember KOA campgrounds.

That's where you stop for the ni and hook up your utility, your electricity or whatever, and stay for the night.

Yes.

-Got a tent, too.

2024 Rising Star Campground, Paris Landing, Kentucky Lake.

KDA holiday.

KOA, sorry.

-Yes.

In those little -- Oh, the Little Miss Spring Creek Harley Tosh.

-Oh.

-Nice wave, nice crown, beautifu I'd say she's a pageant winner.

After them- -Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post- of Paris.

Veterans of Foreign Wars, [applause] Louis Wimberley, Post-1889, hero -They're getting a nice round of from the dignitaries.

-In the company of heroes.

-Absolutely.

Heroes indeed.

-It's the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency truck there.

You got your fishing license yet this year?

-It's been so many years since I've fished.

-You better get them.

-Yes, you better be registered u -Yes, our wildlife resources off are out there protecting our environment, our -Yes.

This is Wild About-- -Prevention.

-Wild About Prevention.

Yes.

The Carl Perkins Center, which I know you've helped and been a part of before the Carl Perkins Center.

-Yes, I'm on the central board over in I don't know if this is Henry Co They're, of course, 20 counties at the Carl Perkins Center serve but that's a pretty good wild about prevention.

They've got the duck blind there out in the wild.

-Behind them, the Bridge of Hope -Oh, Look at that.

Sweet smiling faces.

-Then we have the Bridge of Hope Adults rolling through there having a good time.

Then the big Pepsi truck is rolling through, reminding us to grab a Pepsi.

[background noise] -Oh, thank you.

-This is Farmer's Home Furniture behind them.

As you said, Julie, the cloud cover is a little heav but still- -Cooling things off.

-Cooling things off, yes.

From the 80s down to maybe the 7 This is Lewy's Sod, Landscaping & Dirt Work and asphalt paving, trucking excavation.

They do it all, and there they a It says, "Eat more fish."

Absolutely.

Today is the day, and this is the week to do it.

The finest catfish, as we say in the world.

-My family used to raise those Hampshire hogs like that o -Really?

-Yes.

-Wow.

-You haven't seen one of those in a long time.

-Yes, takes you back.

-Royal Plus Disaster cleanup, water and mold, fire damage, water damage, wind Royal Plus.

They've got a little queen on the back of that truck.

-Yes.

-As we roll through the parade, let's check in with Peter Knoll, the general manager and CEO of West Tennessee PBS.

-West Tennessee PBS is so excited to be here and to be part of these big community festivals that bring everyone together.

As we're fond of saying at West Tennessee PBS, it's all about home.

We can only do it with your supp When you go to our website, west click on the donate tab.

Every dollar you give helps us be involved in your community.

Bring you events like the World's Biggest Fish Fry and others to be involved with the communit To showcase the community and tell the stories of West Ten is proud to do that.

When you give, we've got some gi some thank you gifts to say thanks for donating.

Let's find out about those.

-All About Home is more than just a catchphrase at West Tenne It means that we're committed to bringing you the most local programming in th You can help fund that local pro with your generous gift.

We'll thank you for your donatio at the $ 5-a-month level or a one-time donation of $60.

With the West Tennessee PBS Cafe for as little as $10 a month or a one-time gift of $120, you can keep local programs continuing at West Tennessee PBS We'll say thank you with the West Tennessee PBS Deluxe Hydration Bottle and the Cafe Mug.

Show your friends how much you believe in local programming with the All About Home Messenge which we'll be sending to you along with the Cafe Mug and the Deluxe Hydration Bottle with your gift of $15 a month or a one-time gift of $180.

Your support matters to West Tennessee PBS.

Help us continue our mission of bringing you the most local programming in th because at West Tennessee PBS, it really is All About Home.

-We come on back to the parade r as we sit here.

I'm Tyler Hawks along with Ms. Julie Cooke.

Julie Cooke can be heard on 101.5 WNWS radio there in Jackson, Tennessee.

You work the 4:00 until 6:00 PM air shift, right?

-4:00 to 6:00 PM primetime drive with Steve Bowers.

-All right.

Yes, Steve Bowers.

He's another great news pro from right here in West Tennesse I bet y'all make a good team.

-Yes, we have lots of fun in the after Who have we got here?

CNAs, nurses.

-Hiring.

Hiring.

-Hiring, yes.

-Okay.

-Apply.

This is adorable.

-Yes.

-I can't see the name.

-This is a big Kubota tractor powered by Coleman Tractor Compa There's a little gap there in th After that, you'll see what sign the end of most Mid-South parade or at least West Tennessee parad That's the beautiful horses as they jump through.

-Oh, there's so many of them.

-There are.

There are a lot of h It was bring your horse to the p -Look at the carriage.

-That's nice.

-Very nice.

-They are beautiful.

There's another carriage coming A wagon.

-Oh, that's nice, yes.

Okay, so we are right here at th of the World's Biggest Fish Fry in Paris, Tennessee on Eastwood We thank you so much for joining As we say, we're all about home.

This is your home, Paris and Hen We pay special tribute to the JC for helping the 38 volunteers put all this together and their help with West Tenness for our broadcast.

-Don't forget, you can go to Channel 11 PBS.

We are replaying this year's World's Biggest Fish Fry Parade multiple times.

All you have to do is download t westtnPBS.org.

Go there for those air dates and -Thank you so much for joining u We are West Tennessee PBS, your local public television sta right here in West Tennessee.

Thank you for joining us.

[music] -The program you've been watchin was made possible through the generous financial s of West Tennessee PBS viewers li Please visit westtnPBS.org and make a donation today so that we can continue to make local programs like this Thank you.

[music]