Henry County Fair returns to Paris
PARIS, Tenn. — The fair is in the air around various counties here in West Tennessee.
Carnival seasons is here, and at the Henry County Fairgrounds, some will enjoy the rides — but we’re told a fresh funnel cake is the tastiest part of the day.
This year’s mascot is the pig — last year’s was the corn, and they’re calling it a week in “fair-a-dise.”
Monday the 12th is the opening ceremony, when the Ag Olympics begin and a cooking show cornbread challenge.
Tuesday the 13th starts a pet show and the “Not So Newlywed Game.”
Wednesday the 14th is when they will bring in livestock for viewing before the auction Thursday.
“I would say the most anticipated events are going to be the livestock action and the livestock day, because these kids literally work an entire year to get their projects ready and then they sell them at the end of the day starting at 7 o’clock that night, and all of that money that’s raised goes directly back to the youth of Henry County,” said President of the Henry County Fair Board, Michelle Hopkins.
A third year Ag competitor tells us she’s been preparing her beef cattle for the auction for a while, and she’s excited for what this year has to bring.
“I started showing during the summer before our fair just to get him ready for the big crowds and things like that, because I really enjoy showing, so about from October until now,” said Ag participant Cori Hopkins.
For over 100 years, the fairgrounds have been a hub for individuals, families, and businesses of Henry County and beyond to come together for all kinds of fun community and private events.
“Just come to the Henry County Fair, it’s one of the best around,” said Michelle Atkins, UT Extension County Director. “Ag Fair Board works countless hours. In fact, when this fair is over, they will begin working on next year’s, so it’s a year work in progress.”
If you’re here, there’s a few things to check off your to do list: the food, the rides, the games — and hey, you might even win a goldfish!
“I would really like people to come out and support our fair since it has been voted one of the best in West Tennessee. That’s a pretty… that’s a big deal,” Cori Hopkins said.
The fair has a focus on promoting Tennessee agriculture and community togetherness, and it’s a highly anticipated event that draws visitors from near and far.
You can look forward to their Enduro Derby starting Friday night, and the following Saturday night for their Demolition Derby to wrap up the week.
The Henry County Fair takes place August 9-17.
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