Danny Federico
Reporter3@riverbendnews.org
After being put on an extensive hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Suwannee River Catfish Festival is finally back on! On Saturday, April 9, catfish lovers from all around will have the opportunity to make their way down to the Suwannee River Greenway in Branford for vendors selling arts and crafts, fun and games for kids, live performances by local and well-known bands and, of course, delicious catfish dinners.
Each year, half of the profit made from the Catfish Festival is donated to the Fisher House in Gainesville, which provides a home away from home for Veterans and their families during a “medical crisis, surgery or end-of-life condition.” In addition, the Suwannee River Catfish Festival Board awards two scholarships (one $1,000 and one $500) to high school seniors within the county. Not only does the top winner receive a $1,000 scholarship, they will also have their name and the year inscribed on the Suwannee River Catfish Festival Monument, located directly under the flagpole at the Greenway. Each submitted essay had to relate to the history of both Branford, the Suwannee River and the people who made an impact on both. The announcement of the scholarship winners, as well as a check presentation to the Fisher House, will be part of the festival's opening ceremony at 9 a.m. on April 9.
Attendees will be able to enjoy live performances from Blind Luck, Black River Harvesters, County Road 400, Social Club, the Kentucky Sleepy Hollow Bluegrass Band and many more. Make sure to come out from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a day full of food, fellowship, fun and good music.
The Suwannee River Greenway is located next to Trail Street, which is just off of Suwannee Avenue, in Branford.