Last month's big event in our area was the annual fish fry, which Paris, Tenn., claims is the "world's largest." It lasts a week, so we decided to go on the final Friday to take it all in.
It was smaller than I expected for being the world's largest, but perhaps that has to do with the amount of fish consumed over the course of six days. There was a rodeo, which we did not attend, armed services recruiters, a petting zoo and an array of carnival rides and airbrush art that would have enthralled my six-year-old self. But, at 31, I think what I enjoyed most had to be the funnel cake. That is one love affair that will not end no matter how many Weight Watcher points it has (24 by my count).
But before I dove into the chewy, heavenly cake, we went to the fish tent, which is actually a building near the entrance of the fair grounds. It was decorated with posters from the town children who had rendered various sizes, shapes and colors of fish or fish-related scenes. The creativity was impressive. One showed a fish in flames and it said something about the devil. Or hell. Not sure exactly what that has to do with a fish fry, but hey. We're in Tennessee.
After moving through the line and admiring the art-covered walls, we were given generous helpings of fried catfish, slaw, hush puppies, french fries and navy beans. Carbtastic!
We looked around for a place to sit and found a spot next to a group of men, whom we later found out were from Chicago. They had ridden their motorcycles down that day. It's an annual trip for them, although, honestly, I hope they had some other activities planned.
The food was pretty good (better with hot sauce), but I don't know that we'll make it an annual event for us. Essentially it was a big carnival, the allure of which has greatly diminished now that most of the rides would make me sick to my stomach.
Some things are just better when you're six.
