For about 25 years, the Johnson family has continued a long standing and every growing tradition. Every summer, the family provides around 130 pounds of fish, prepares it, cooks it and feeds the community of Fredonia.
Right to left, photos by Brooke Kimball:
Alvy and RaChel Johnson with their kids Alie, Clayton, Tylee with Granddaughter Ariya, Dillon, Derick and RaChel’s Father, Mont Griffiths.
An estimated nearly 400 members of the community turned up for the annual Johnson family fish fry.
It all started around 25 years ago when the Fish Fry was a party for the Fredonia First Ward Elder’s Quorum. It then grew to include High Priests group, then the entire First Ward. Twelve years ago, they decided to extend the invitation to the Fredonia Second Ward and the rest of the Fredonia community. Members of the community look forward to the event and it has become quite the gathering.
Alvy Johnson, the head of the family, said it takes about two months of fishing to acquire enough fish for the fry. Sometimes they will all go as a family to catch fish, and sometimes he would fish by himself. Regardless, he tries to catch around 60- 90 fish each trip and filets them all prior to filling his freezer full of the fish. They have perfected the process and fill two to three freezers full to feed the community.
Of course, the fish fry is not only limited to fish – there are also hamburgers and hotdogs for those that are not fish lovers. The Johnson’s fried fish can change the mind of those that do not like fish – it is that good!
The community appreciates the Johnson family’s time and effort in making the fish fry happen every year! It showed by the numbers this year, as it was estimated that close to 400 people showed up last Friday night. The kids enjoyed playing at the park while the adults visited and, of course, everyone enjoyed the food! This could very well be the most attended event in Fredonia – even surpassing the Fourth of July festivities.
The Johnson’s would like to thank all of the community members that have helped make it happen year after year. Thank you to the Johnson family for the great food and the fun gathering!
