35th Annual Fish Fry

Friday July 17, 2009
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Friday July 17, 2009

For 35 years, on the third Friday in July, Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Franklin has been serving up all-you-can-eat fried catfish and the trimmings. This year’s event, expected to draw up to 4,000 people, will be held Friday, July 17 on the church grounds at 2419 Bethlehem Loop Road in the Grassland community.

What began in 1974 as a small fundraiser to pay for a new parsonage has grown into a community outreach event drawing multiple generations. Rebecca Moody Little, Bethlehem’s director of adult and children’s ministries, has attended the fish fry for about 28 years. Now, four generations of her family  attend together. “My parents, Ed and Eileen Moody have been coming for years, as have my children Daniel Little and Anna Lynn Whitfield,” says Little. “Now with Anna Lynn’s children Leah and Elise, we have four generations of fish fry veterans!”

The fish fry proceeds support several church missions, including the “Kathy’s Backpacks” program. Started 12 years ago in memory of Bethlehem member Kathy Harris, the backpack program has grown just like the Fish Fry. Little says, “The first year we filled backpacks, we made 25. This year, we will fill 795 backpacks with school supplies for 47 different schools and agencies. As the need in the community has grown, our members have responded in kind.”

Over 1400 pounds of pond-raised catfish will be served at the fish fry along with hush puppies, sliced tomatoes, white beans, and delicious cole slaw made from a secret recipe. Attendees will also enjoy free refills, a silent auction, bake sale, used book sale, live Bluegrass music and children’s game area. Event Chair Andy Hawkins says, “The Bethlehem Fish Fry truly is an old-time summer social where you’re guaranteed to have a great meal and loads of entertainment.”

The Bethlehem Fish Fry will be held on the church grounds off Old Hillsboro Road in the Grassland Area from 4:30 p.m. until 8 p.m., July 17.  Tickets are $10.00 for adults in advance or $12.00 the day of the event. Children under 10 are always $5.00.  Hot dogs are available for children and a separate carryout serving area is provided.

Bethlehem United Methodist Church is located at 2419 Bethlehem Loop Road near the intersection of Hillsboro and Old Hillsboro Roads in Franklin, Tennessee.  For more information and tickets, contact the church at (615) 794-6721.    

Location
Bethlehem United Methodist Church
2419 Bethlehem Loop
Franklin, TN 37069
Google Map

Contact Information
Debbie Sims
(615) 794-6721
dsms74@aol.com

Cost: Not Free