Camp Aldersgate’s 41st Annual Fish Fry
A Record-Breaking Success
On a warm and sunny Sunday afternoon, Camp Aldersgate welcomed the community for our 41st Annual Fish Fry! Held on October 13th, from 11:30am-2:30pm, this year’s event was one for the books, with families, friends, and supporters coming together for a day of food, fun, and philanthropy. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, this was the most successful Fish Fry yet, raising over $108,000! Every dollar goes directly toward supporting the mission of Camp Aldersgate.
A Taste of Tradition
Guests enjoyed plates piled high with freshly fried catfish, complemented with all the fixins including french fries, coleslaw, and hushpuppies. After savoring a delicious meal, attendees had the opportunity to explore our beautiful 100+ acre campus.
For those on the go, our convenient drive-thru option up the street provided the perfect way to grab a meal while still contributing to a great cause.
This year, we were honored to recognize our Fish Fry Family—Zenobia Brown and her two sons, Zakameron and Zay-lon. Zenobia and her sons embody the spirit of resilience and community that Camp Aldersgate is all about. Seeing them enjoy the day’s festivities with the support of our camp family was a highlight of the day.
Fun for All Ages
This year’s Fish Fry was packed with activities for the whole family. From crafts and face painting to carousel rides, a toddler-friendly duck pond, and games, there was something for everyone. We introduced two exciting new additions this year: our Treat Trail and the Hayride.
- The Treat Trail featured sweet delights donated by local favorites like Community Bakery, Dempsey Bakery, Blue Cake Company, and Nothing Bundt Cakes. Participants walked away with a tasty dessert and satisfied sweet tooth.
- The Hayride—a classic fall favorite—took guests on a relaxing trip down cabin row, pulled by a green tractor. This accessible ride was a huge hit for families.
Music and Memories
Setting the festive tone, MJ the DJ filled the air with tunes throughout the event. Of course, one of the biggest highlights was the Fishing Derby! Children aged 4-18 competed in two heats, with prizes awarded for the largest, smallest, and most fish caught. We love it when kids tell us they caught their very first fish at Camp Aldersgate—it’s a memory that lasts a lifetime!
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Volunteers
None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our amazing volunteers. This year, we had a record-breaking 150 volunteers helping to make Fish Fry a success. From frying fish and packing to-go meals to running activity stations, volunteers from community service clubs, high schools, and our own counselors and CITs gave their time and energy to support Camp Aldersgate.
Looking Ahead
We owe a huge thank you to our event sponsors, ticket holders, donors, and volunteers for their incredible support, and a special shout-out to our event chairs, Ashley and Jason Parker, and their hardworking committee. Their leadership was key in making this year’s Fish Fry the best yet!
We’re already looking forward to next year’s Fish Fry, and we can’t wait to share the details with you.
Thank you to our 2024 Fish Fry Sponsors & Fish Fry Fans
adventure sponsors
AFMC
Crafton Tull
Datamax
First United Methodist Church of Little Rock in Honor of Martha Faulkner
Bo Frazier
The Janet Jones Company
Landmark PLC, Certified Public Accountants
MAI Capital
Holly Marr & Cathy Engelkes
Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church
Taggart Architecture
UAMS
Wade Company
Fish fry fans
Anonymous Donation in honor of Ashley & Jason Parker
Martha & Bobby Altom
The Aston Family
John Bennett & Kristi Bennett
Debbie & Keith Bennett
Ashley & Michael Berkshire
Kristen & Jason Chacko
Joe & Sherry Chesser
Melanie & Clif Christopher
Donna Easley
Ruth Eyres, Tammy Browne, Rashon & Mirande
Kayleigh & John Mark Goings
Sarah & Riley Hays
Allison Pounds Ingram
Vicki & Greg Johnston
Bram, Michelle, & Abigail Keahey
Kim & Art Kinnaman
Malin Opitz Memorial Fund – Patty & Jonathan Opitz
Bobbi & Dustin McDaniel
Eric McDaniel & Chad Rodgers
Chris & Molly McNulty
Joe & Betsey Mowery
Sonya & Mark Murphy
Leigh Ann & Kevin Newton
Ashley & Jason Parker
Gigi & Dan Parker
Cathey & Ken Robbins
Cathy & Lee Sing
Rickie & Sam Smith
Maybelline & Alston Strong
Ellen Turney & Suzanne Barnes
Thank you to our 2024 Fish Fry Event Committee
Event Chairs: Ashley and Jason Parker
Jason Chacko, Roxie Culp, Cathy Engelkes, Rick Hatten, Bram Keahey, Molly McNulty, Kenetta Ridgell, Lee Sing, Lisa Shahim, Maybelline Strong, Alex Talley
