It’s a big Festival, folks! Here are some of the other events that occur during the World’s Biggest Fish Fry.
Picture a sparkling, spring-fed lake with scores of grownups helping young anglers bait hooks, cast lines and reel in hungry fish. This has been the scene at Williams Lake during the Junior Fishing Rodeo for as long as most folks can remember.
The fun starts at 11 a.m. and runs till 1 p.m. but consider arriving early for the best spot.
Prizes are awarded to the boy and girl in each age group catching the biggest fish and the most fish. Age brackets are: 4 and under; 5-8; and 9-12.
(Event hint – Don't forget tackle, bait, blanket or chairs, sunscreen and bug spray. Concessions available onsite.)
Immerse yourself in a vibrant showcase of handmade wonders where talented artisans bring their unique creations to life. From intricately crafted jewelry to stunning paintings, there’s something for every art enthusiast.
Runners in the Annual Hushpuppy 5K Dash/Walk enjoy a crisp spring morning at the fairgrounds in a friendly competition that celebrates a catfish’s best friend, the hushpuppy!
Registration begins at 7 a.m. at the Fairgrounds with a race fee of $15 in advance, $20 on race day.
The event’s two classes include:
Swimming down 15-foot, clear-plastic racing troughs, locally caught catfish compete for prizes for their sponsors. Everyone can participate in the Catfish Races by sponsoring a fish in this stand-out event and those who register early will receive a colorful race t-shirt. An opportunity prior to the event is to write and submit a fish tale to the Paris Post-Intelligencer (P-I). Several will be printed in the P-I, and winning tales will be read aloud on race day.
Named after local long-time editor and publisher of The Paris Post-Intelligencer, the Bill Willaims Catfish Races benefit REAL Hope Youth Center.
Racers in each heat vie for gift certificates from local restaurants, trophies and best of all, bragging rights for an entire year. Surprisingly, not everyone is excited about holding a slick, whiskery catfish. That’s why participants can request a “fish handler” to race in their place. No matter how many folks decide to participate, there’s always room for one more entry!
Calling all automotive and bike enthusiasts to the World’s Biggest Fish Fry Car & Bike Show – where HORSEPOWER meets CATFISH POWER! We want to see your cool classics and majestic moderns.
The Car Show is hosted in the parking lot of the Krider Performing Arts Center (KPAC). Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow car enthusiasts. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this World’s Biggest Fish Fry automotive tradition!
Dance your cares away at one of the World’s Biggest Fish Fry Dances!
The Kick-Off Street Dance, Country Dance, and Christian Dance all feature live bands; delicious food; and an opportunity to show off your best dance moves. These are more than dance parties, they’re a celebration of our community spirit and country roots.
