By Larry Briscoe

Correspondent

The official Catfish Capitol of Texas – the city of West Tawakoni – is hosting its annual Catfish Festival this week.

“Although there is a small cost to see the circus, the park board along with great sponsors has made it possible for everyone to come out and have a great time for three days with little to no cost,” said Billy Creed, West Tawakoni Park Board President said.

Gus Wolman, owner of Winners Circle Country Music Publishing of Quinlan, said Greenville recording artist Trey Houston would make a guest appearance at the Catfish Festival at 5:30 p.m. today (Friday).

“Trey and his wife Marielena Houston, via Trey Houston Records, are donating 65 percent of gross digital download revenues of his song ‘Living On Empty’ to Hunt County Kids and Lake Area Shared Ministries Food Pantry. They are also donating $1 from the sale of each single song CD,” he said.

Wolman said Sheila Clark and her band would perform from 7 to 11 p.m. on Friday and DJ Rodney would crank out hit after hit starting at 11.

The gates open Friday at 5 p.m. featuring a bounce house, large blowup slide and many vendors.

On Saturday gates open at 9 a.m. Entertainment will also include music and vendors will also be open.

The car show will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a CASI-sanctioned chili cook-off at noon.

Field games for adults and children will be held at 2 p.m., and the Redneck Golf Cart Races begin at 3. Creed said, “Bring your golf carts and enter the race.”

The Miss Catfish Festival Pageant is planned for 4:30 p.m.

Catfish weigh-in will be at 6 p.m.

Cotton Creek band will entertain from 7 to 11 p.m. The Catfish Festival Swimsuit Competition (18 and older) will begin at 11 p.m. The late night party will again begin at 11:30 p.m. with music by DJ Rodney.

Creed said sponsors for the event included McKenzie Lake Works, circus and overall event; Aaron’s Rent, men’s fish tournament; Vetcon, women’s fish tournament; Lake Tawakoni Regional Chamber of Commerce, kids fish tournament; Travers Excavating, bounce houses; Monroy’s Mexican Restaurant, bands and stage; O’Reilly’s of Greenville, car show; and J&L Paving, extra prizes and emcee.

Creed said, “We would like to thank all of the sponsors, and invite everyone to the park for some fun before winter sets in on us, and we are forced to stay in. Remember, we are doing this to raise money for upgrades to the park so that our children will have a safe place to go to have fun. We cannot do it without your support. So, for three days this week, come out and help us by supporting your kids and our future kids. A real circus, bands, golf cart races, chili cook-off, fishing tournament for everyone, vendors, and a car show, there is something for everyone. Thanks for your support, and see you out there.”