Beech Tree News Network

As I may have mentioned, the Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. Although most of my time is spent with family and friends that day, I appreciate the Catfish Festival and those who make it possible. It is an amazing effort for a small town. My favorite things about the festival are the catfish plates, the children’s games, and the fireworks.

Even in the festival setting, the catfish plates are always good. The men and women providing those plates give up their time and their physical comfort (Our town usually has its share of heat and rain during each Catfish Festival.) to help with the cooking. Since this event is a fund raiser, it requires work on the part of many. I also understand that this year a catfish cook off will be held on Monday, the 4th. That event should be interesting.

When entertaining a child, the children’s games are a big help. My favorite is the terrapin race. On the 4th, the sign up for this event will be at 8 a.m. and the race at 9 a.m. at the City Park ball fields. Many years ago, my children entered the terrapin races. My late husband and I watched for terrapins for a couple of weeks beforehand each year. Terrapins are unpredictable, and who knows what causes them to move in a certain direction. I don’t remember any of our children ever winning that event; however, they always had a story to tell afterward.

The Catfish Festival fireworks are outstanding. They rival cities much larger than ours. Normally during the display, ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ can be heard in the darkness of my yard. Extended family members come on the Fourth of July, and we watch the fireworks together before they head back home. It’s a beautiful way to end the holiday.

The Catfish Festival officially opens Friday, July 1, and closes Monday, July 4, providing four days of festival fun. Let’s enjoy the catfish plates, the children’s games, the fireworks, and all the other events. Wishing you a blessed Independence Day!