Bethlehem United Methodist Church's annual Fish Fry, Friday, July 21, Williamson County's Longest Running Fish Fry

FRANKLIN, TN---The smell of fresh cooked catfish, music and laughter will soon be filling the air Friday, July 21 at Bethlehem United Methodist Church’s annual Fish Fry in Franklin, Tennessee.

A Middle Tennessee tradition for the past 32 years, the event is considered by many as Williamson County’s longest running Fish Fry. Tom Henry, Fish Fry chairman, said all-you-can eat catfish, wonderful live bluegrass music, an incredible silent and live auction as well as a fun-filled children’s area make it a great night of fellowship.

“This has become a favorite family tradition for middle Tennesseans. The fish are still swimming in a pond in Isola, Mississippi and will make its way up just in time to be served up fresh to almost 4,000 folks. Also on the menu are hush puppies and delicious cole slaw made from a secret recipe prepared by a committee of great cooks. It is such a fun time for so many great reasons and a portion of the proceeds benefits the missions of our church,” Henry said.

Back by popular demand is the Bethlehem Bluegrass Band organized and lead by talented church Music and Arts director, Harry Robinson.

While the dinner is the main attraction, the children’s area sports an inflatable obstacle course, giant slide, castle walk, games and more. More than 350 of the members are involved in the event and some of the best cooks in the Grassland area are participating in the bake sale.

“This is an old-time summer social where you’re guaranteed to have a great meal and loads of entertainment,” Henry said.

The Fish Fry is held on the church grounds off Old Hillsboro Road in the Grassland Area from 4:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tickets are $8.00 for adults in advance or $10.00 at the gate – children under 10 are $4.00. Carryout dinners are also available.

Bethlehem United Methodist Church is located at 2419 Bethlehem Loop Road near the intersection of Hillsboro and Old Hillsboro Roads in Franklin, Tennessee. For more information and tickets, contact the church at (615) 794-6721.

Emogene’s Mississippi Pecan Pie or Tartlets
(Pecan Tartlets are a favorite Fish Fry bake sale item and go quickly.)

1 cup white corn syrup
1 cup chopped pecans (chopped is more flavorful)
½ cup sugar
3 eggs, slightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoon butter, melted

"Let Freedom Sing" Hunger Drive Benefit, Hermitage UMC, July 2nd

Steve Warren


Hermitage United Methodist Church is pleased to announce that a benefit concert featuring Gospel Recording Artist Steve Warren will take place on Sunday, July 2nd beginning at 4:30 p.m. The concert will benefit our neighbors in Mississippi that are still suffering from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and need our help. Non-perishable, non-glass food items will be collected for Mississippi Coast Relief Efforts. Please bring a canned good or a monetary contribution to aid us in this hunger drive. For easy transport on the semi-trailer that we hope to fill, cases of food are requested if at all possible.

An ice cream social will follow the concert. This event is open to everyone at no charge. Please join us for an evening of fun and fellowship. Child care will be provided.

HUMC is located at 205 Belinda Drive; Hermitage, TN. For more information, please contact the church at 883-3918.

Hillcrest UMC Men's Annual Boston Butt Smokin', 4th of July

by Nancy Neelley

Can you imagine the 4th of July without the Stars and Stripes, fireworks, checkered tablecloths and juicy, slow smoked, pork BBQ from the Hillcrest Men’s Annual Boston Butt Smokin’? Of course not…it’s just down right un-American.

Even with the price of gas causing our pocketbooks a little distress, the Hillcrest Men are selling these succulent, 6 to 8 pound Boston Butts at the same low price of $20.00.

So why wait around and fret over what to eat for this big, beautiful national holiday, when all you’ve got to do is place your order now. There’s a couple of ways to do it: email your order to brian.sanderson@comcast.net or call your favorite Hillcrest Men’s member and order through him. Easy, huh?

And here’s a little July 4th idea: order, before we start smoking and we’ll throw in a second butt for only $20.00 more. That’s like getting two Boston Butts for $40.00 and the peace of mind to know you won’t run out of the main course this holiday.

All orders will be available for pickup between 9:00 am and 12:00 noon, July 1st at the Hillcrest United Methodist Church Christian Life Center, 5112 Raywood Lane, Nashville, TN 37211.

Don’t delay! Order yours today! It just doesn’t get any easier than this.