Celebrating half a century last year, the Bethlehem United Methodist Church Fish Fry is going strong and returns July 17 on the shaded grounds of the Grassland church at 2419 Bethlehem Loop Road off Hillsboro Road.\u00a0<\/p>\n
BUMC Pastor Mary Beth Bernheisel says community, hospitality and great food are all part of this annual tradition.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love Fish Fry because it brings the church community together and brings our larger community together as well.\u00a0 It’s such a great act of hospitality for our congregation, welcoming folks and giving them a place to come and share\u00a0fellowship\u00a0around the table. It’s also a great way to raise money for area missions which is such a vital part of who we are at Bethlehem and as Christians,\u201d said Bernheisel.<\/p>\n
BUMC Fish Fry Chairman Mike Loring said the fish fry is like an old-fashioned family reunion supporting area missions.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u201cSharing in this summertime fun is something we look forward to all year.\u00a0 People can join us on the shaded grounds of the church, have a terrific time and help us help our community.\u00a0 All the proceeds help support the church\u2019s missions abroad and locally including Kathy\u2019s Backpacks which provides new backpacks and supplies for area school children needing assistance which we will pack two weeks after the fish fry just in time for school,\u201d Loring said. \u201cWith an all-you-can-eat price and so many activities, this event is one of the best deals around.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
One of the highlights of the evening is the Bethlehem Bluegrass Band which will fill the grounds with classic, bluegrass favorites.\u00a0Returning again is the amazing 5 Points Swing Band.\u00a0The menu includes 1,500 pounds of catfish served along with hushpuppies, homegrown tomatoes, white beans and delicious cole slaw created from a secret church recipe. Boy Scout Troop 1 returns to help serve delicious drinks.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Handicapped seating is available in the air-conditioned gym and the event also offers convenient take-out as well as golf cart shuttle from parking to the serving lines. The church also has a popular gently used book sale.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The incredible silent auction includes beautiful artwork, pro sports tickets, home d\u00e9cor, themed gift baskets and more. The bake sale is always a very popular spot with a variety of items from cupcakes and sour dough bread to brownies, cookies and cakes said Bake Sale Chair Kim Acree.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe church is known for some of the best bakers in Franklin and will have a huge variety of delicious treats,\u201d Acree said.<\/p>\n
With live music, all-you-can-eat, farm-raised catfish and an incredible free children\u2019s play area, the Bethlehem UMC Fish Fry is Friday, July 17 on the shaded grounds of the church off Old Hillsboro Road in the\u00a0Grassland\u00a0Area from\u00a04-8 p.m. at 2419 Bethlehem Loop Road, Franklin (37069).\u00a0 Tickets for adults are $18 in advance and children, ages, 5 to 12, are $12 in advance at the church or online at\u00a0www.bethlehemumc.com<\/a>. Day of the event, adults are $20, children, ages 5 to 12 are $14 with children under 5 free. Hot dogs are available too.\u00a0<\/p>\n