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COLUMBUS
Annual Oyster and Fish Fry reels in crowd
The Columbus Volunteer Fire Department hosted their annual Oyster and Fish Fry fundraiser at the Columbus Hall, serving plates upon plates of fried fish and oysters on Sunday, Feb. 23.
The fundraiser raises money for the CVFD to use on expenses for sustainability while feeding crowds from all over Colorado County with delicious catfish and mouthwatering oysters.
David Meisell alongside other volunteers were busy ensuring the drive-thru flowed smoothly as hundreds of cars drove through for some tasty seafood. Citizen | Abenezer Yonas
Hundreds of pounds of fish and oysters were purchased and prepared, with around $17,000 being spent on oysters alone according to CVFD Fire Chief Richard LaCourse.
Volunteers from the CVFD, Texas ChalleNGe Academy, all over Columbus (including Columbus Mayor Lori An Gobert) and the county worked across various stations to ensure a smooth workflow for customers purchasing plates through the drive through or sitting down to dine at the Columbus Hall.
Tickets for the meals were $25 for fish only plates and $35 for a combination of oysters and fish.
In addition, the tickets accounted for a chance to be a bucket brigade sweepstakes winner, with the grand prize of $2,000 being won by Lori Loesch.
“We are beyond grateful for the incredible turnout and support at this year’s Oyster and Fish Fry,” said the Columbus Volunteer Fire Department in a Facebook post. “This event wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible businesses, individuals, and volunteers who donated their time, money, and effort. Your dedication keeps our fire department going strong, and we truly appreciate each and every one of you. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.”
The savory smell of fried fish and oysters filled the air as volunteers went through batches upon batches of seafood. Some of the volunteers pictured Branden Schultz, Brad Moffett, Kyle Burris (left to right). Not pictured are Hadley Sciba, Tony Stolar, Doug Barncastle and many more.
Texas ChalleNGe Academy Echo Team lent a helping hand during the Oyster and Fish Fry alongside other volunteers. Pictured left to right are Isabelle Halcol, Rebecka LaCourse, Amy Craven and Texas ChalleNGe Academy Echo Team members Angela Hernandez, Emily Sifuentes, Tahjane Scott and Layla Celaya.
