Beech Tree News Network

The Green River Catfish Festival returns this summer with a full lineup of community favorites, family-friendly competitions, live entertainment, and patriotic celebration spread across several days in Butler County. From early morning races and river tournaments to pageants, livestock shows, motocross, and nightly concerts, the festival brings together the best of local tradition and summer fun. As it builds toward its Fourth of July finale honoring America’s 250th birthday, the event offers something for every age—from kids’ activities and hands-on contests to music, food, and a fireworks display.

Festival events began on Saturday, June 20, with the Toughest Race on the Green 5-mile walk/run from 6:30-10:00 a.m. 

Fishing enthusiasts will then have their chance to compete during the Tackle the Green Fishing Tournament, scheduled for June 26-28 on the Green River. Anglers will compete for a $1,000 prize for the largest overall catfish and a $100 prize for the largest youth catch for participants age 15 and under.

Miss Butler County Fair Pageants will take place on Saturday, June 27, at the Butler County Early Childhood Center, with registration beginning at 1:00 p.m. and competition starting at 2:00 p.m. These pageants are open to anyone in the designated age groups, regardless of the county where they live. 

Festival activities move into full swing on Thursday, July 2, as fairground gates open at 4:00 p.m. Visitors can enjoy carnival rides, the Kids Zone, pageants, motocross competition, old-fashioned games, and live entertainment throughout the evening. 

July 2 Events:

Special Friends Day will begin at 10:00 a.m. and run until 12, allowing those with special needs to experience the rides and festivities before the general public. 

The Kids Zone will be better than ever with inflatables, petting zoo, horseback riding, duck pond, educational station, fishing for the little ones, and face painting. 

Registration for the Green River Catfish Festival Pageants will begin at 4:00 pm, with the pageants will start at 5:00 on the main stage. Participation in these pageants is for Butler County residents only. 

Registration for the Motocross competition will begin at 4. Race practice will start at 5, with heats to follow. The main event will begin at 7:30. Race fee is $30. Multiple bike and ATV classes are available, from beginner riders to seasoned racers!

The evening will conclude with Showcase on the Green on the Main Stage, featuring all local talent. 

July 3 Events:

The excitement continues Friday, July 3, with 4-H exhibits, food trucks, carnival rides, and family activities. The annual Dog Show, Cornhole Tournament, and Catfish Wrastlin' competition will highlight the afternoon and evening schedule. 

The Dog Show will take place at The Raft (pavilion next to the river). Registration begins at 4:00 and the show will start at around 5. Categories include: best dressed, cutest, best tail wagger, best trick, best mannered and a best in show. 

The Cornhole Tournament will take place at the Granville Allen VFW Post 5837 at 5pm. Entry fee to participate in the tournament is $10 per person or $20 per team. Cash and trophies will be awarded. 

Always a fan favorite, Catfish Wrastlin’ will begin with registration at 5, with the event starting at 6.  Divisions include ages 8–12, 13–17, and 18+. 

Praise Night will begin at 8:00 p.m. on the Main Stage and will feature performances by Kyle Whitaker, Scotty Inman, and the JJ Weeks Band.

As the festival enters its final day, activities will begin bright and early and continue through the evening, culminating in a patriotic celebration of America's 250th birthday and one of the region's largest fireworks displays.

July 4 Events:

Independence Day festivities on Saturday, July 4, will offer a full day of activities beginning with the Kayak Challenge, Fun Float, Terrapin Race, Car Show, and Basketball Tournament. Livestock events, carnival rides, and family attractions will continue throughout the day.

The Livestock Show will take place at the Eva. Hawes Building at the Charles Black Morgantown City Park, with registration at 9 a.m. and the event at 10:30. The show will feature 4H and FFA Youth. 

The Green River Catfish Festival Challenge & Fun Float will trek Woodbury to Morgantown. Registration will begin at 7 and the race/float will start at 8. 

According to the Morgantown Trail Town Facebook page, “whether you're a first-time paddler, weekend adventurer, competitive racer, or seasoned river veteran, there's a category for you: Unlimited Challenge, Recreational Challenge, and Fun Float.”

Every participant is entered to win a kayak and there will be cash prizes as well! 

The Basketball Tournament will be held at Butler County High School. Registration begins at 11 a.m., with games starting at 11:30 a.m. Divisions include ages 8–11, 12–16, 17–24, and 25+. First- and second-place trophies, MVP awards, and door prizes will be awarded in each division, and cash prizes will be awarded to winning teams in the 12–16, 17–24, and 25+ divisions.

The Car Show will be held on the square in Morgantown. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with registration concluding at 12:30. Registration is $20 with a discount for multiple entries. 

According to event coordinator Micheal Capps, spectators should  “expect an eclectic mix of vendors, diverse food choices, and captivating vehicle exhibits.”

In addition to the festival's traditional events, this year's celebration will serve as Morgantown's tribute to America's semiquincentennial, marking 250 years since the nation's founding.

On the GRCF page on the American 250 website, folks are encouraged to “join us in Morgantown as we celebrate America 250 during our annual Catfish Festival. This hometown block party brings together everything that makes our community special, with carnival rides for all ages, great food from local vendors, and live music throughout the day. It is a true small-town celebration with something for everyone to enjoy…This event is open to everyone, from local families to visitors passing through, and we invite you to come be a part of a proud community celebration filled with fun, fellowship, and American spirit.”

Rounding out the festivities will be closing ceremonies at 4, with the America’s 250th Birthday Party beginning at 5. Dancing in front of the Main Stage will begin at 7 with the Rose Band playing from 8 until the Fireworks at dusk. 

Green River Catfish Festival T-shirts are currently available at Tiffany's Tanning and Boutique, Flener's Boutique, Drake's Farm Service, and Coral Barn Boutique.