I took a little road trip last Saturday. Although I'm horrible with directions I believe I was headed east. I pulled out of my driveway and drove down a road that was very familiar to me which took me to a place that is a part of my heart. It was about 15 miles away with a special memory in every mile.
As soon as I reached my destination and parked my car in the parking lot where the school once stood and stepped out on Watson, Arkansas, soil I knew I was in the right place. I call it home!
As I opened the car door I could smell that heavenly aroma of deep fried catfish. I walked closer to the old gym and could see all the familiar faces busy as bees preparing the meal which I could hardly wait to taste. I visited with them all before entering the building only to find hundreds more friends, family and neighbors. It's amazing that when you get there that you know almost everyone there and they know you. It's more like a family reunion than a community event.
I found myself right smack in the middle of the 54th annual Watson Fish Fry and it brought hundreds of Watsonites back home. There were a few new faces among the volunteer crews but they had ties with the original members. Like children, grandchildren, sons and daughters-in-law.
I heard many of the older friends say how thankful they were that the younger generations were stepping up to help out. That's what it's all about – continuing the tradition.
As I looked around at the massive crowd I saw so many people with roots to our little town plus some new faces. I also noticed many who were not able to attend this year due to illness or other commitment and please know you were truly missed.
My heart goes out to the families who have lost dear loved ones this year. And even though our friends are gone I know they were there in spirit.
Even standing in the serving line was not a problem because it just gave you more time to visit and say hi to everyone. The workers did a great job making sure everyone got served. The menu consisted of fried catfish, French fries, Cole slaw, baked beans, home-made hushpuppies and, for dessert, home-made fruit cobblers. Although every bite was delicious, I must say that Shirley Brown and her crew did an outstanding job on the hushpuppies. She said that has been her job for at least 50 or the 54 years.
I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone involved with the fish fry this year, it was another great event and huge effort. The silent and open auction helped raise funds for the many projects the Watson Chamber of Commerce helps with. Also thanks to all the people who came this year, but if for some reason you were not able to attend, start making plans now for next year.
Pencil it in on your 2015 calendar, because it's always the third Saturday in March which will be March 21, 2015.
See you there
