Beech Tree News Network

The 37th Annual Green River Catfish Festival dodged rainy weather for much of the day but was able to officially kick off Saturday at the Charles T. Black City Park in Morgantown.

Events started early in the day with fishing in the Green River getting underway at 6 a.m. and running to 6 p.m.  Ten tagged fish were turned in at the boat ramp.  The fishing tournament features a total of 64 tagged catfish ranging in value from $50 to $2,500.  It runs through Monday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.  

The following anglers caught tagged catfish on Saturday:  Ernie Embry (caught 2 tagged fish), Scott Flener, Joey Summer, Jeff Raymer, Todd McDaniel, John Lindsey, Michael Johnson, Trenton Butler, and Roger Flener. Each will learn how much their fish is worth during closing ceremonies on Tuesday evening, July 4. Billy Brown turned in the largest catfish (not tagged) of the day at 28.5 pounds and received $100.  Hocker Insurance Agency, Embry and Watts, and Morgantown Utilities are sponsoring the daily $100 winners for the biggest catfish caught. 

Opening ceremonies were held at 6 p.m. on Saturday with Morgantown-Butler County Chamber of Commerce President James Runion and Morgantown Mayor Billy Phelps welcoming festival attendees.  The Butler County High School NJROTC presented colors and Scott Flener sang the National Anthem.  The drawing of the envelopes for the fishing contest took place to determine prize values, which will be revealed on Tuesday.  

Pageants were held earlier in the day for boys and girls up to 23 months and 2-7 year old girls.  Pageants for Pre-teen, Jr. Miss, & Miss Butler County were held Saturday evening.  All pageants are being held at Butler County High School due to ongoing construction at the amphitheater.  

The classic car show, sponsored by Final Finish, was one of the highlights of the evening as several cars and trucks made a grand entry into the city park.

Carnival rides from Derby City Amusements started at around 5 p.m.

Several vendors were lined up on the midway with many of the staple items festival-goers have come to expect-catfish plates, barbecue, funnel cakes and fresh-squeezed lemonade. 

Other events listed for day were a livestock show, a 4-H project display, Fishin’ for the Little Ones, antique tractor show, and 3-on-3 basketball tournament at BCMS.   

The Creek Water Band took the main stage at 8 p.m. for music and square dancing to wrap up the evening.  

For more coverage on the Green River Catfish Festival, stay connected to Beech Tree News.