The Catfish Was "King"
In Yantis Saturday

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

Temperatures were in the "triple digits" and reports of thermometers reaching as high as 107 degrees, but nothing could burn the enthusiasm of those folks in the Yantis Community, on Saturday afternoon. The annual Catfish Parade got underway at 5:00 p.m., as the first vehicle pulled onto Highway 154 and the occupants began waving to individuals lined-up along the street.

Meanwhile, down on Lake Fork, anglers were completing a long day of fishing for "the big one," as the World's Largest Catfish Tournament was underway. Fishermen had used almost any bait imaginable, trying to entice the wily ol' catfish to their hook, as they competed in the first day of the tournament. Leading at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, was a 10.4 pound catch, but many optimistic fisherman had plans to return on Sunday, in hopes of besting that record.

Fishermen sought "the big one" in triple-digit heat, on Lake Fork, Saturday, in the annual tournament.



And, some fishermen were able to weigh-in a "hefty" catch, as 10.4 pounds was leading the tournament, mid-afternoon.

 

Back in Yantis, the candy was flying and children raced to pick it up, as church groups, antique car collectors, and politicians made their way along the parade route.

 

Yantis Mayor Jerry Miller, escorted Parade Marshall Martin Edwards, in this corvette, and who is
the little lady they picked-up? That's Jaycee Rae-Lynne Russell, Wood County Miss Petite Princess.
Wonder what kind of bribes they had to make to get her to ride with them?

And, these youth from White Oak Baptist Church promoted their Vacation Bible School, next week.

 

And, Marlin Scarborough provided a "fly-over" with his bi-plane, during the parade!




Four-wheelers.......................



Dune buggies.......................



Beauty queens...........
Hopkins Co. Dairy Festival Queen Katie Watson waves to the crowd in Yantis.

 

And, those classic antique cars that brought back fond memories.......









Candy......Candy.....Candy everywhere........

 

The Yantis Catfish Parade ended at the Yantis School, where the Yantis Volunteer Fire Department hosted their annual fundraising Fish Fry, that found a large crowd of supporters on-hand to eat catfish, all the trimmings, and dessert. Proceeds go to the support of the Yantis VFD in purchasing needed equipment and other operational expenses. With the current dry conditions and the danger of wildfires, residents of the Yantis area were acutely aware of the need to make certain that the local fire department was well equiped.

 

Over $3500.00 was raised for the Yantis VFD!

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