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FISH FRY FETES FARM FAMILY

By Erin France/OF THE COMMERCIAL
Friday, October 30, 2009 10:48 AM CDT

Despite the stormy weather, hundreds of people attended the 57th annual Farmers Appreciation Fish Fry at Hestand Stadium Thursday night.

Kris and Meredith Baker, Jefferson County Farm Family of the Year, stand in front of a sponsor sign during Thursday night’s Farmers Appreciation Fish Fry. Pine Bluff Commercial/Erin France

Ann Williams, co-director of the Greater Pine Bluff Chamber of Commerce, said the event turned out well.

“Each year, you know, you build from the year before,” she said.

“The atmosphere was really fun.”

Volunteers passed out fried fish, chicken, slaw, beans, hush puppies and French fries.

Page Walt, a local farmer, said he appreciates the business community for recognizing farmers’ input.

“Farmers do provide a lot of economic benefit to Jefferson County and the surrounding area,” he said.

“I’m honored.”

Kris and Meredith Baker, the Jefferson County Farm Family of the Year, said the weather might have brought more farmers out to the fish fry than usual.

Kris Baker said the annual dinner is a welcomed tradition in the county.

“It’s good for all the farmers,” he said. “We look forward to this every year.”

Michelle Rocha, co-director of the Great Pine Bluff Chamber of Commerce, said the event showcases the hard work necessary in agriculture — something that can be missed while shopping for food in a grocery store.

“We kind of take it for granted that it’s going to be there and without our farmers it wouldn’t be there,” she said.

“Our farmers in our community do so much.”

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