CROFTON, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – One Friday a month throughout spring and summer community members travels by tractor and by truck to attend a fish fry at Gordon Park. With banners displayed across the city inviting people in, the aroma of freshly prepared food fills the parking lot and playground, warmly welcoming the public for an evening of fellowship.
With the help of volunteers, the fish fry has been solidified as a Crofton tradition tucked in northern Christian County. With hundreds of people attending each month, the proceeds collected for each plate help maintain and preserve the expansive city park.
“It fills everybody’s belly,” said Eric Merritt, who had multiple fryers going and a big smile on his face. “It’s a good thing for the community to come and socialize and also eat some good food. I’m very happy to be a part of it.”
As the owner of a Hopkinsville based food truck, Merritt has been the man behind cooking the fish for around four years, seasoning and cooking hundreds of filets to perfection alongside other volunteers after being recruited by the mayor.
The process is simple, $15 dollars cash per person, $8 for kids, for a few fillets of fried fish, hushpuppies, fries, coleslaw, beans, and a drink. After the fried goods are secured, everyone makes their way over to the colorful dessert table which has homemade selections ranging from coconut pie to chocolate cake.
With the line stretching out the door for the first fish fry of the season on March 28, grumbles could be heard about the importance of arriving early. Toddlers riding on the shoulders of an adult were alongside grandparents being ushered in by family to fill the space as people from different walks of life dined together.
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Some residents swung by to grab a quick dinner on the way home, while others arrived as a family and sat down to catch up. Packed with tables, the room was bustling with conversation and laughter as volunteers topped off people’s plates with extra hushpuppies and fries. Even the gaggling flock of geese from the nearby pond at the park were curious about getting inside.
The monthly fish fry will continue throughout the spring and summer, lasting through early fall. Look out for banners and online announcements for upcoming dates.
More about Gordon Park, recent renovations
The park was dedicated to the memory of Ben and Tillie Gordon who lived in Crofton between 1912 and 1960. The park is around 30 years old and requires regular maintenance during the season to maintain the flowers, paint, and equipment.
Last summer a half a million-dollar renovation to Gordon Park was debuted with a newly installed playground transforming the already beautiful outdoor space. The funding for this project was facilitated by State Representative Jason Petrie, which permitted necessary upgrades and paved the way for a whole new look for the beloved community gathering place.
In addition to the installation of new playground equipment, new fencing was placed at the baseball field and at the splash pad, and the bathrooms were renovated. The building at Gordon Park was also upgraded with a new kitchen, and new lighting was placed outside.
Located on North Old Madisonville Road in Crofton, Gordon Park has always drawn visitors due to features like their large pond with a paved walking trail, a baseball field, splash pad, little free library, and several covered pavilions for patrons and families.
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