PARIS!

IN AUTUMN 2026

On The Cover: Double, double, toil and trouble… The Paris-Henry County Heritage Center is the backdrop for some pre-Halloween mischief by this wicked good mother-daughter duo, Smantha and Addy Kate Parker. Local photographer Monica Flynn of Memories by Moe Photography/The White Lotus captured the spooky scene.

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Editor’s Notes

PARIS! Magazine Welcomes Autumn!

It may not feel like Autumn outside just yet, but the changing leaves, Friday night football, and pumpkin patches remind us that another beautiful Fall season has arrived. From community traditions to inspiring local stories, this issue celebrates the people, places, and moments that make Paris and Henry County such a special place to call home.

One of our favorite traditions is looking back at the stories that shaped our community. In Remember When, we revisit the 1949 Henry County Fair, while Reminiscence takes readers back to 1923, when Paris proudly celebrated its centennial.

Every community has its heroes. In this issue’s Feature, you’ll read “A Hero’s Homecoming,” the story of a newspaper reporter recalling his first-in-the-nation interview that made history.

You’ll also discover “Here We Glow!” and how Paris will have a hot air balloon festival again soon.

Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, and there’s no shortage of adventure waiting. Great Outdoors explores where wildlife has been hiding this Fall, while In the Garden celebrates the beauty and resilience of the humble evergreen, proving that some plants remain vibrant no matter the season.

Creativity shines throughout Henry County. In Arts & Entertainment, we search for the fascinating story behind Ptoloumne Biggs, while Paris Cuisine tempts readers with Dark Delights, a delicious feature filled with chocolate treats.

Our community thrives because of compassionate people who give back every day. Healthy Ideas shares the inspiring story of the Infusion Center, where compassion flows alongside exceptional care. In Spotlight, we recognize Darrel Wilson, whose simple kindness continues to make a lasting impact on those around him.

Whether you’re exploring all our new construction sites in Around Our Town, seeing familiar people in Faces & Places, or planning your next outing with our Calendar of Events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season. We hope this issue inspires you to celebrate the beauty of Autumn, support your local community, and enjoy everything that makes Paris such a wonderful place to live.

Happy Fall, Ya’ll!

Smantha

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In This Issue

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REMEMBER WHEN: A Look at the 1949 Henry County Fair

In the late 1940s, the Henry County Fair, was a vibrant community and agricultural hub heavily shaped by World War II and postwar recovery. The event served as a major showcase for 4-H club projects, livestock, and home front efforts like home canning and food preparation. Read More >>

REMINISCENCE: 1923, When Paris Celebrated Its Centennial

By Shannon McFarlin

With this being our nation’s 250th birthday, we’d thought it would be a good time to look back at the city of Paris’ Centennial Celebration in 1923. Read More >>

FEATURE: A HERO’S HOMECOMING

By Kevin Weaks

It wasn’t supposed to happen: The F-105 jet being shot down over North Vietnam or the unexpected interview with the pilot who endured more than seven years as a prisoner of war in a Hanoi prison. Read More >>

FEATURE: Here We Grow!

By Shannon McFarlin

It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that the city of Paris is undergoing unparalleled growth right now. We have a major shopping center up and running, with first-rate shops drawing customers from far and wide. We also have new construction in both the public and private sector: the Paris Fire Station, County Government building, a larger TCAT headquarters, and the Henry County Health Department. A number of new restaurants which have already opened or in the process of being built. Plus, we have the Levi Miles Playground under construction at Ogburn Park. Whew. That’s a lot. Read More >>

HEALTHY IDEAS: Where Compassion Flows

By Laura Davis

Inside the Infusion Department at West Tennessee HealthCare Henry County Hospital.
For many patients, the Infusion Department at West Tennessee Healthcare Henry County Hospital is more than a place to receive treatment. It’s a place where fear is eased, friendships are formed, and compassionate care becomes just as important as the medicine being administered. Read More >>

SPOTLIGHT: DARRELL WILSON With Courtesy and Kindness, "You Rule"

By Caleb Grissom

Earlier this year, I received a telephone call from someone visiting Paris. The voice on the other line said, “I don’t know who I should tell, but the gentleman at the Burger King window was so kind this morning.” Read More >>

FACES & PLACES: Photos, Memories, and More

Don’t miss this fun section chock full of the latest happenings in Paris and Henry County in these and many more sightings about town. Read More >>

JUST FOR FUN: PARIS' Autumn Crossword Puzzle

Test your recollection with our Paris-themed crossword puzzle in the Autumn 2026 issue of PARIS! Read More >>

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT: In Search of Ptoloumne Biggs

By Dan Knowles

I have spent many years traveling back roads of West Kentucky and West Tennessee, searching for an undiscovered folk artist with the qualities of Grandma Moses, a true , untrained artist who spoke with an authentic voice. I traveled to abandoned burgs like Monkey’s Elbow, Devils Gap, Bell City, Nunnely, Keysburg, Buffalo, Roger’s Creek and many others, with no luck. I talked to the few remaining old people in these tiny places, but I just couldn’t seem to find that elusive artist. Read More >>

AROUND OUR TOWN: Bringing the Glow Back!

By Tara Wilson

After a quiet three-decade hiatus, the night sky over West Tennessee is preparing for a brilliant, colorful awakening.
On Saturday, September 5, 2026, the highly anticipated Glow Over Paris! Hot Air Balloon Festival will make its historic return to Eiffel Tower Park in Paris, Tennessee. I can already tell you that this is the one late-summer event you won’t want to miss. Read More >>

PARIS CUISINE: Dark Delights -- A Little Mystery, A Lot of Chocolate

As the days grow shorter and cool autumn evenings settle in, there’s something irresistible about the rich, mysterious flavor of dark chocolate. Its deep color and bold taste seem perfectly at home alongside glowing jack-o’-lanterns, crackling bonfires, and moonlit October nights. Unlike sweeter milk chocolate, dark chocolate carries a hint of intrigue—smooth, slightly bitter, and wonderfully sophisticated. Read More >>

RECOLLECTIONS: TURBULENT TIMES, Historical Events Seen by Family Servicemen

By Jesse Parker, Jr.

These are four stories related to just two of the many veterans in my family. All these events happened in October 1962. Parts were told to me over many years. They involve people from Henry county and two of these stories made the news worldwide! Read More >>

GREAT OUTDOORS: FALL, Where Have You Been Hiding?

By Steve McCadams

Are you as anxious to see autumn arrive as I am? Long overdue is this year’s seasonal transition. It’s safe to say summer wore out its welcome this year across the Kentucky Lake region. Read More >>

IN THE GARDEN: The Humble Evergreen

By John Watkins

Fall again? Seems like we were just planning and planting our gardens rather than getting ready to cut back or pull up those spent annuals and perennials. Time flies when you’re having fun, I guess. Hopefully, if I have imparted any wisdom in these articles, it’s the fact that Fall is a great time to plant trees and shrubs in the garden. The soil is still warm, the days are a little cooler, and we usually get more reliable rainfall which are all imperative to getting your plants off to a good start. Read More >>