43rd Bethlehem UMC Fish Fry

The biggest backyard party with over 1,800 pounds of fresh catfish is set for Friday, July 21 in the Grassland community of Franklin when Bethlehem United Methodist Church hosts the 43rd BUMC Fish Fry on the church’s shaded grounds at 2419 Bethlehem Loop Road off Hillsboro Road.
One of the longest running events in Williamson County, BUMC minister Ryan Bennett said the good old-fashioned social will have bluegrass and swing music, all-you-can-eat catfish, free children’s game area – all helping support church missions.
“With never frozen before, all-you-can-eat farm raised catfish, we have amazing music, a free Family Fun Zone with incredible inflatables and games, the best bake sale around and silent auction. You don’t want to miss the area’s biggest event for fun and fellowship. We are expecting over 3,500 of our neighbors with the proceeds helping to support several church missions including our Tiny House Project helping area homeless and Kathy’s Backpacks program assisting over 500 school children across our county with much needed fall school supplies and backpacks,” Bennett said.
In addition to the Bethlehem Bluegrass Band, the popular big band, 5 Points Swing, will be playing on the main stage and Pied Piper Creamery returns again with their delicious ice cream.
Over 1,800 pounds of pond-raised catfish will be served at the fish fry along with hushpuppies, sliced tomatoes, white beans and delicious cole slaw made from a secret church recipe. The incredible silent auction includes beautiful artwork, sports tickets, home décor, themed gift baskets and more.
A bake sale competition was held this year to be the event’s featured item and long-time member Robin Folks won for her Raspberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake which will be part of the bake sale which sells out every year! (Recipe below.)
There will be a full service disabled and elderly area again this year. Disabled and elderly family members will be able to enjoy full service staff that will cater to them while they enjoy the entertainment.
With live music, all-you-can-eat farm-raised catfish and an incredible free children’s play area, the Bethlehem UMC Fish Fry is Friday, July 21 on the shaded grounds of the church off Old Hillsboro Road in the Grassland Area from 4:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., 2419 Bethlehem Loop Road, Franklin (37069). Tickets for adults are $10 in advance at the church and $13 the day of the event. Children 10 and under are always $6 and children under three are free! Hot dogs are available for children and a separate carryout serving area is provided.
For more information, contact the church at (615) 794-6721 or http://www.bethlehemumc.com.

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Bethlehem UMC Fish Fry Featured Bake Sale Cake

Raspberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
*Award winning recipe prepared by Bethlehem baker Robin Folks.

Coffee Cake:
2 ½ cups of flour
¾ cup sugar
¾ cup butter
½ t baking powder
½ t baking soda
¼ t salt
¾ cup sour cream
1 egg
1 t almond extract

Filling:
1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese
¼ cup sugar
1 egg
½ cup raspberry jam

Topping:
½ cup sliced almonds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine flour and sugar; cut in butter using a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Remove 1 cup of crumbs for topping. To remaining crumb mixture, add baking powder, baking soda, salt, sour cream, egg and almond extract. Blend well. Spread batter over bottom and 2 inches up sides of greased and floured 9-inch spring form pan. Batter should be ¼ inch thick on sides. In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar and egg; blend well. Pour over batter in pan. Spoon jam evenly over the cheese filling. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of reserved crumbs and almonds. Sprinkle over top. Bake at 350 degrees for 55-60 minutes until cream cheese is set and crust is a deep golden brown. Cool 15 minutes, remove sides and cool completely.