BRANFORD — The crowd at the Suwannee River Catfish Festival continues to grow with each year.

On Saturday, the fifth annual event held at Greenway Park in Branford brought an estimated attendance of 6,000 people, according to Halford Harris, one of the festival’s organizers.

“Everything went off without a glitch,” said Harris. “A successful year again. We’re growing every year.”
The event began at 9 a.m. and ran through 7 p.m. with various vendors, live music and $7 catfish dinners.

Scholarships were awarded to two Branford High students who participated in the essay contest. Kayla Hygema won a $1,000 scholarship for the top essay. Wyatt Eakins took second place and was awarded a $500 scholarship.

Harris said the money raised from last year’s event, $2000 after expenses, was awarded to the Gainesville Fisher House. The Fisher House is an organization that offers shelter and support during a medical crisis to military families.

Money raised from this year’s event will once again be donated to the Gainesville Fisher House.

Plans are already in place for next year.

“We already started planning,” said Harris. “We hope to have a half marathon. We are always looking for volunteers.”