RiverPark catfish fry

RiverPark catfish fry

WOODLEAF — When seniors from Enon Baptist Church held an outing at RiverPark in July 2007, it was the first time many had ever seen the place, according to Joel Nesbit.

"Many of them were amazed," Nesbit added.

Who wouldn't be? The falls and shoals of the South Yadkin River, known for more than 100 years as "The Bullhole," are a piece of nature worth saving for future generations.

Fall is one of its most beautiful seasons.

On Saturday, hundreds will gather at the park's seventh annual Catfish Fry.

Advertised as "the best catfish you'll ever eat," park supporters and nature lovers will enjoy ample portions of fish, fries, slaw, hush puppies and dessert for $7.

Kids plates are $3. Serving begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. (or whenever the fish runs out).

Cooleemee's Little Brook band will entertain with its own unique style of bluegrass music. Proceeds from the fall event go to maintain the park.

RiverPark Inc., a nonprofit organization that has managed the park since it opened in 2003, is also hoping to sign up volunteers that day.

"This is a piece of God's creation that won't preserve itself," says the group's president, Daphne Beck. "We need volunteers to give a few hours per month to walk the park, keep an eye on the grounds, pick up litter and report violations of park rules to law enforcement."

Advance tickets for the Catfish Fry are available in Cooleemee at Osborne's Service Station and the Zachary House.

In Salisbury, stop by the LandTrust for Central Carolina at the old train depot.

In Mocksville, find tickets at Allstate Insurance, Howard Realty or the Chamber of Commerce.