Annual Yantis Catfish Festival
Unfolds This Weekend

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

 

"You get a line, I'll get a pole, and let's go down to the catfish hole...." It's time for the annual Catfish Festival in Yantis, Texas, and everything is turning-up catfish. According to Yantis Mayor, Jerry E. Miller, all the plans are ready for a great weekend of fishing, parades, and of course, the annual Fish Fry, that benefits the Yantis Volunteer Fire Department. "This year's fishing tournament on Lake Fork will be held on Saturday and Sunday," advised Miller. "Top prizes total $10,000.00 and then there will be hourly payouts. Top prize winner will walk home with $6000.00 on Sunday afternoon!"

 

 

 

But, all the action isn't going to be on Lake Fork. Miller and his committees have planned the annual Catfish Parade for downtown Yantis, at 4:00 p.m., on Saturday. "It's an event, is about all you can say!" expressed Miller. "Anyone that wants to join the parade should be ready to line-up at the Yantis Community Center, at 3:30, and the parade will make its way down Highway-154. This is about the only time traffic is 'shut down' on 154, unless there is a bad wreck. But, we stop traffic and the parade makes its way through the heart of our community!"

Parade Marshals of this year's parade will be members of the Yantis City Council, Betty Jenkins, Trey Norris, Colleen Nolen, Pete Vaselo, and Kenneth Kincaid.

A new event has been added to the Catfish Festival, this year. It is a Catfish Garage Sale. The sale will be conducted on the grounds of the Yantis Community Center, from 7:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., Saturday. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Yantis Volunteer Fire Department. Early items include: bicycles, clothing, houshold items, and many, many other things for the house or garden. Make plans to come early on Saturday morning for the best selection and cooler temperatures. "Remember, the early bird gets the worm!"

 

 

And, folks will hardly have time to "catch their breath," after the parade, before Yantis Volunteer Fire Department will have the fish and all the trimmings ready for the Annual Fish Fry, that will begin in the Yantis School Cafeteria, at 5:00 p.m. The meal is by donation only and features all-you-can-eat catfish, hushpuppies, French fries, and all the trimmings. And, of course, there will be plenty of sweet tea, that will taste great, after watching the parade. "The cafeteria is air conditioned and will be the perfect place to 'cool off' after the parade," advised one of the volunteers helping with Saturday's event.

 

 

"We just want everyone to come out and have a great time in Yantis, on Saturday. It's a day of fun and an opportunity to come out and visit with your neighbors, join in the fun, and celebrate life in our community!" expressed Mayor Miller. "See ya on Saturday!"

For additional information about the Catfish Fishing Tournament, you may call the Lake Fork Sportsman's Association at (903)763-2191. For information about the Catfish Parade and Fish Fry, you may contact the Yantis City Hall at (903)383-2610.

 

______