Danny Federico
reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com
On Saturday, April 12, catfish lovers from all around will have the opportunity to make their way down to the Suwannee River Greenway in Branford for the annual Catfish Festival. From the rows of vendors, games and activities for kids, live performances by local and well-known bands and, of course, succulent catfish dinners, this yearly event has something for everyone.
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." This year's event will be hosted by Branford's American Legion Post 59.
In addition, annually, the Catfish Festival organizers award two scholarships (one $1,000 and one $500) to high school seniors within the county who write the best essays relating to the history of both Branford, the Suwannee River and the people who made an impact on both. 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.
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 Saturday.
Make sure to come out from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $10 catfish dinners, as well as a day full of fellowship, fun and musical performances from Faster Than Flash, the Black River Harvesters and the Kentucky Sleepy Hollow Bluegrass Band. The Suwannee River Greenway is located next to Trail Street, which is just off Suwannee Avenue in Branford.