Beech Tree News Network

Despite a good amount of rain in the early afternoon hours, the skies finally cleared and the 39th Annual Green River Catfish Festival officially started.  The BCHS Band (led by Jason Ausbrooks) - current members and alumni - kicked things off with the playing of the National Anthem and My Old Kentucky Home.  Catfish Festival Chairperson Robin Johnson welcomed those in attendance.  Reigning beauty pageant winners (from 2018) - Conley Moore, Andrea Deweese, and Kenlea Grubb -  assisted with the drawing of the envelopes for the fishing tournament. 

CHEANI SCHROEDER

Although the $7,500 tagged catfish got away, several participants took home money with Kendall Embry landing the top prize—-a catch worth $500 sponsored by Henderson Land Surveying.  Several fishermen took home other prizes ranging from $100 to $300.  Cheani Schroeder pocketed $1,000 

from the City of Morgantown in a drawing among those who purchased fishing tickets. 

Bobby Johnson won the largest catfish prize for days two and three of the fishing tournament and won the “entering the river” drawing for all three days.  In total, Johnson won $650, sponsored in part by Gander Outdoors, Essentials Insurance Group and Morgantown Utilities.  

Billy Hurd won the drawing for the “biggest loser,” in that his name was drawn among those who did not catch a catfish.  He won $500 from Gander Outdoors.  

Below is a list of all fishing tournament winners:  

Donnie Mullen-tag #0474

Sponsor:  Paula Minton Givens, $150

Michael Johnson-tag #0435

Sponsor:  Fisher Auto $300

Michael Johnson-tag#0436

Sponsor:  Stories, $300

Colten Givens-tag #0481

Sponsor:  E-Pest, $100

Colten Givens-tag #0434

Sponsor:  Dillon Bryant Farms and Fifth District Magistrate, $300

Jeff Raymer-tag#0430

Sponsor:  McDaniel’s Tire Service, $100

Rebecca Raymer-tag#0419

Sponsor:  Joe Phillips Snap-On Tools, $300

Jodie McKinney-tag#0433

Sponsor:  Joe Phillips Snap-On Tools, $300

Kendall Embry-tag#0407

Sponsor:  Henderson Land Surveying, $500

Chad Cox-tag#0476

Sponsor:  Air Evac, $100

Alex Hymes-tag#0445

Sponsor:  Jim’s New Life Taxidermy, $100

The attempt at the Guinness World Record for the largest paper-wad fight proved successful with over 600 participants.  Festival-goers were also treated to south-central KY’s largest fireworks show set to music and played on WLBQ 101.5.