SOUTH FORK — South Fork Fire Rescue hosted its annual Catfish Fry fundraiser on July 3. Historically the event includes a silent auction, indoor seating and serves 1,000-1,200 attendees.
However, this year the event had some changes with the auction only being a live auction during the event. This change was successful, bringing in more donations than any silent auction in the past.
At the event, South Fork Fire Rescue began raising funds that will go toward the purchase of a new front-line fire engine that will serve the entire district.
This fundraiser is being done a little differently, with a board made up of 500 pieces and a photo of the engine “we’re working toward hidden behind the tiles.” Each piece can be bought for the number listed on the tile. Then the tile is removed, and the donor receives a token.
There are some prizes hidden on the board such as a smoker that donors could win. Once all the tiles are purchased, SFFR will be well on the way to purchasing the new fire engine. This fundraiser will be run all year at various events.
At the 2023 event, the menu included fried catfish, hushpuppies, beans, potato salad, coleslaw, a homemade chocolate chip cookie and iced tea.
“We are delighted to report that a record number of 1,322 attendees enjoyed the freshly prepared meal. The event was an incredible success raising over $43,889,” SFFR stated.
Following the fish fry South Fork Fire Rescue members participated in the South Fork town parade and promptly headed to standby at the rodeo and prepared for the annual fireworks show. The annual fireworks show went spectacularly, producing the best show yet.
“The members of South Fork Fire Rescue would like to say thank you to our event sponsors and each and every one of you who supported us at this event,” SFFR stated.
