BRANFORD FESTIVALS
Branford Festivals and Events
By Hayli Zuccola
From a comforting bowl of chili in the fall or a catfish dinner in the spring to an unusual race of rubber duckies in the midst of summer , annual events in Branford are certainly not ones to miss .
Suwannee River Catfish Festival
Festival season in Branford kicks off in April with the annual Suwannee River Catfish Festival . Located on the Suwannee River Greenway , the event , which celebrated its 7th run in 2023 , is filled with live music and entertainment ; animal exhibits ; arts and craft booths ; food vendors and , of course , a catfish dinner served with hushpuppies , baked beans , coleslaw and a bottle of water .
The proceeds made from the festival are shared between the Gainesville Fisher House Foundation and educational scholarships awarded to two Suwannee High School seniors chosen by the Suwannee River Catfish Festival Board of Directors based on students ’ submitted essays . For more information on the Suwannee River Catfish Festival and to stay up-to-date on the 2024 affair , follow the Branford-based festival on Facebook or visit their website at suwanneerivercatfishfestival . com .
88 SUWANNEE CHAMBER IMPACT | 2023-2024