First Baptist Fish Fry Raises Funds for Church Camp

The fellowship hall at First Baptist Church of Olney filled with laughter, music, and the delectable smell of fried catfish on Saturday afternoon as the community turned out for the annual Fish Fry & Opry to raise funds to send local youth to summer camp in New Mexico.

Plates piled high with all-you-can-eat catfish, hush puppies, seasoned fries, beans, and coleslaw moved steadily down the serving line, with tea, water, and cookies rounding out the $15 meal. Guests– including Olney Mayor Rue Rogers, Olney Police Chief Brian Barrett, and incoming City Administrator Andy Wolfe and his wife and two daughters - filled tables quickly, settling in for an afternoon that felt as much like a reunion as a fundraiser for FBCO.

Between bites, the room filled with music as the band — guitarists J.W. Rounsaville, Hunter Simmons, Pastor Chad Edgington and his son Sawyer, along with Summer Branum on keyboard, Melissa Edgington on vocals, and Reed Mankins on drums — led a mix of hymns and Opry-style favorites.

Local performers took their turns at the microphone, including American Legion Post 414 Commander Eric Loggins, who shared an original song, along with Leo, Miles, and Jessa Branum, and singers Morgan Simmons, Emerald Edgington, Leigha Hampton, and Youth Pastor Jaden Brisco.

A cake auction added a lively finish to the afternoon, with homemade desserts drawing spirited bids and raising additional funds for summer camp.

Thank you to Mr. Brisco for organizing the fundraiser. FBCO Deacon John Moses led the fry team and his wife, Shannon, the assistant nursery director, headed the kitchen crew. The youth group helped cook, serve and clean.