Tennessee has been known to celebrate a few quirky things (Mule Day, anyone?), which makes for a rip-roarin’ good time all year round in the Volunteer State. If you’ve ever been to Paris, Tennessee, then you’ve most likely heard of the long-renowned “World’s Biggest Fish Fry.” It takes place every year, and has managed to capture the hearts not just of locals, but tourists as well. Plan your trip right and you can come hungry and experience a true fish-centric phenomenon every springtime.

Jimmy Emerson, DVM - Flickr
Paris, Tennessee, is home to The World's Biggest Fish Fry. It's held the last full week of April every year, and evolved from the 1938 tradition of "Mule Day," which is still celebrated in Columbia, Tennessee.
Egan Snow - Flickr
Paris is located not far from Kentucky Lake, one of the prettiest areas to vacation or visit on a free weekend. Fresh fish, fried fish and perhaps even fishing could be had all year long at this rural oasis. It's also where the catfish for the big ol' fry are sourced for the hungry locals and tourists.
DJ Phantom - Youtube
The first ever "Fish Fry" was held in 1953, but in 1961 the simple local festival was overhauled into a festival that cooks over five tons of catfish every year and hosts a two-hour parade.
Paris Fish Fry - Facebook
The festival is appropriate for all ages, and though there is a fee for the Fish Tent - which is well worth paying for all the food you get - it doesn't cost a dime to experience the parade, street dance, or catfish races.

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The parade is a fun experience your little ones will love, and whether you're trudging your way through elementary school or simply another year at work it's the kind of lighthearted fun everyone needs every once in awhile.
DJ Phantom - Youtube
The parade snakes its way through downtown Paris, but most activities will culminate at the Henry County Fairgrounds.
Paris Fish Fry - Facebook
Where, of course, you can indulge in ALL the fried fish you can stomach.
Brent Moore - Flickr
This year, the World's Biggest Fish Fry will take place from April 20th to April 27th, 2019. Fido is welcome, but make sure to bring a leash for him while you experience all the heart and fun rural Tennessee has to offer.

You can take a closer look at the parade experience via drone, below:

If you’re looking for a bit more of an adventure, this magnificent outlook in Tennessee is jaw-droppingly beautiful.

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