By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–The World’s Biggest Fish Fry has found its ‘forever home’ and a large crowd was on hand this morning for the grand opening and ribbon-cutting. Visitors were invited inside at 711 E. Wood St. and got their first look at the new digs, complete with this year’s Fish Fry merchandise. And as always, souvenir books were handed out to everyone.
They also heard the announcements of this year’s Parade Grand Marshal–Garry Mason–and to whom the souvenir booklet is dedicated–Dinkins Home Center–both of whom have lengthy histories with the Fish Fry and promotion of the local community.
Originally from Buchanan, Mason’s first job was working in the fish tent beginning when he was 12 years old. After marriage to his high school sweetheart Cindy Gaines, the couple moved to Springville and he made the bold move to turn his outdoor hobbies into his full-time profession. Most today known him as an outdoor guide and the coach of the award-winning Bethel University Basscats team. Mason has devoted his time to promoting our area, through his work as an outdoor writer and television host and as founder of “Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame”. Mason and his wife are parents to Michael, Leslie, and Tyler and have eight grandchildren.
In announcing the Grand Marshal, Fish Fry General Manager Jennifer Starks said, “Through his lifelong dedication to the outdoors, Garry has inspired countless others to appreciate all that the outdoors has to offer and most certainly, the beauty of Henry County where he has always called home.”
The souvenir book was dedicated to the Dinkins family, which has played a big role in the history of the Fish Fry. Up until this year, the Dinkins family has provided the manufactured home that has been used as the Fish Fry headquarters each year. In announcing the dedication, Monte Starks noted the long-standing tradition of providing a temporary home for the Fish Fry started in the 1970s. “While the location has changed throughout the years, Dinkins willingness to provide the Jaycees with a headquarters has never faltered.”
Accepting the dedication on behalf of the family were Bryan Reddick and Wendy Harris, grandchildren of Dudley Dinkins.
Fish Fry Secretary April Summers announced the winners of the 2025 World’s Biggest Fish Fry Poster contest and several of the winners were there to display their winning posters. A separate article on the winners will be published.
The posters will be on display at the new headquarters until Fish Fry Week, when they will be moved to the Fairgrounds.
Jennifer Starks announced the World’s Biggest Fish Fry is now trademarked, as is the logo, noting that represents a lot of work behind the scenes by board members.
Monte Starks announced that a Fish Fry archives will be established at the headquarters, with numerous old Fish Fry souvenir booklets and other memorabilia. He asked anyone in the public to think about donating to the display.
Shannon McFarlin photo.