This year’s celebration of everything catfish takes on a deeper meaning as organizers pledge to help neighbors affected by the savage storm that killed 23 leveled much of Rolling Fork. The popular festival, which draws thousands, is April 1 in Belzoni, Ms.
For the love of catfish
Mississippi ranks No. 1 as the nation’s catfish producers, more than 171 million farm-raised fish in its inventory as of July 2022, according to the USDA.
The firm-fleshed white fish has long been prized on Southern tables, mostly fried and served alongside slaw and hush puppies. (There’s a list of top spots to order the fish at the end of the story.)
Community organizers in this small town about two hours south of Memphis cooked up a family-friendly feast to shine a light on this staple more than 43 years ago. Some of the highlights of the day-long event include a street fair featuring more than 100 vendors, the catfish eating contest and the crowning of Miss Catfish. Last year’s winner, Jillian Roberts, will pass the torch after a year packed with special appearances.
Roberts entered the competition as a tribute to her grandfather, Paul Roberts. “My grandfather and his father started the first catfish farm in the area in 1968 and ran it until 2004,” she said in a recent phone interview. Even though the family farm transitioned to cattle, he still loved the catfish industry, she said.
Aside from throwing out the first pitch at a Delta State game — go Fighting Okra! — and reading A Catfish Tale to school kids, Roberts said the highlight of her tenure as Miss Catfish was sharing the story about how the fish are raised.
Her favorite catfish dish? “I love fried catfish,” she said.
While the crowds are enjoying the World Catfish Festival’s lineup of food, musicians perform on stage. This year’s bill includes Grammy award winner Cedric Burnside, who grew up in the Delta. Bravo!
For the full schedule, check out the World Catfish Festival on Facebook.
Neighbors helping neighbors
Shortly after the devastating storm hit nearby towns, leaving many families homeless, festival organizers began to hatch a plan on how they could help. The event’s Facebook page quoted Helen Keller saying: Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”
They’ve established a Paypal fund that will go directly to those affected by the tornado through the Heart of the Delta Foundation. There will be QR codes posted throughout the festival, steering those who want to donate to the page that includes details.
The best place to eat catfish is…
There are definitely strong opinions on this subjective subject, especially in catfish country, but it’s tough to beat a plate of crispy filets served at Taylor Grocery near Oxford. That’s also a hot spot if you’re in the mood for a whole fried catfish.
Florida Avenue Grill in Washington D.C. is a long way from Mississippi, but it still feels like you’re dining in the deep South. Especially if you order catfish and grits for breakfast.
At chef Kristi Brown’s Communion in Seattle, the ‘Hood Sushi Bowl puts catfish in a whole new light, delivering the fried fish on a colorful seaweed salad with pickled veggies, steamed rice, the appetizer finished in a Creole remoulade. Yes, please!
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