Morgantown's Economy Expecting Boost from Catfish Festival

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Beauty contests, talent shows, fish fries, and square dances.

It could all mean a lot for Morgantown's economy.

We headed to Morgantown Wednesday, where preparations for their annual Green River Catfish Festival were well underway.

The price of admission has been dropped to $3.00 to make it more affordable for residents in these tough times.

Not only that, but this year's festival also includes $100-thousand to the person who catches a tagged catfish.

Those are just two of the new changes made hoping to bring in crowds by the droves.

"The Catfish Festival is probably the biggest one time celebration we have here in Butler County and Morgantown," says Laura Henderson, representing the Butler County Marching Band.

"This is the 29th year this has gone on," adds Morgantown Mayor Eva J. Hawes.

"I know families that set aside this time," Harold McKee of the Morgantown Community Church remarks."They say,'We're going to the Catfish Festival'."

In fact, enough families say that for the festival to net an average of $40,000 each year.

"This is the event that keeps our chamber running," Mayor Hawes explains. "This is our main event, and all the profit goes to the Chamber of Commerce."

Last year, two days of rain left the festival in a jam, generating only $20,000.

This year, city officials hope revenues will be back up.

"Anytime you have something like this, it helps the local businesses," Mayor Hawes continues.

"Sumitomo meant a lot to this town for jobs and security, and we've had to scramble, but the city has scrambled and you can't beat spirit," McKee adds. "You can't beat that effort in a community that rallies together."

It's that economic impact that makes all the set-up so important.

Now, Morgantown's just waiting for the crowds.

"It's a nice way to visit in the community and make these connections and ties that much stronger," Henderson says.

Mayor Hawes adds, the Catfish Festival plans to go out in grand style on the fourth.

They'll be lighting $11,000 worth of fireworks.

How does this help the economy? It doesn't create any jobs. Doesn't make a whole lot of money. They actually spend a good sum of money, and from the looks of the crowds and talk I've heard attendance was down this year. I don't see any economic boost.

How do you know I wouldn't understand? You don't know me.

H R WEST wrote:

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YES I DO ,YOU ARE STUPID AND A BROTHER TO DUMB ASS.
THINK FOR YOUR VOTING FOR ME.LOL

No you don't know me. Why do you get on here and lie? If you believe the Catfish Festival helps the economic conditions around here why don't you get on here and make your arguements in an intelligent way instead of getting on here and calling people names. It's people like you that make Morgantown, and Butler county look bad.