Branford's First Annual Catfish Festival

Well, this time we had the correct weekend for Branford's First Annual Catfish Festival and it was worth living in Suwannee River Time to attend! 

This more or less says it all!

If you didn't read the post Suwannee River Time I'll summarize.  It seems the previous weekend we kept trying to attend events that had not yet happened, had already occurred, or really were on the relaxed Suwannee River Time.  Anyway, we were a week early for the Catfish Festival.

We parked several blocks from the
Branford Shrine Club grounds
and walked the green way to the festival

The parking was full when we arrived around 1 PM and we had to park several blocks from the event.  It turns out we parked across from the Watermelon packing house which is quite interesting to view.  

The green way borders a
watermelon packing warehouse
and this Saturday it was in full operation

Watermelons fresh from the field

And yes we were living on Suwannee River Time Saturday as we arrived long after the 9 AM start; however, there was ample time until the 6 PM close.  

Festival attendees visiting and
awaiting the music

We spent the better part of the day at the Catfish Festival touring the vendors.  The display hosted by North Branford High School Interact Club was quite interesting.  I was fascinated as the students explained the Shelter Box project and their goal of raising funds to purchase one by the end of next year.

A jeep 'train' ride for the kids
plenty of vendors for the adults

By now it was time to decide on lunch... Was it to be catfish, barbecue, or smoked chicken?  Yes, the catfish won this time. After all, it was the Catfish Festival!

Bluegrass style band

The band was not only talented but had a great patter.  One band member I knew from a different band that plays around Jacksonville. The singer even treated us to a great version of 'Crazy' where she belted it out like Patsy Cline.  So yes we did enjoy the music.

An old acquaintance from Green Cove
selling wonderful watermelon

Another surprise was running into people we knew from other events and festivals.  It is amazing how often paths cross.  

As always,
THANK YOU to the trash keepers

It was a beautiful day for the festival and a great day at the festival.  Hope to attend next year!

And it was a beautiful celebration