CHAPMANVILLE — The first Logan County Fish Fry was a huge success.

Chapmanville Mayor Jerry Price, who organized the event, said the fish fry brought nearly 700 people from all areas of the county together.

“I thought it was great,” Price said. “We were blessed with a wonderful day and a wonderful turnout. All our expectations were met. We had a good mix of people from all over the county. I was really pleased.”

The Chief Logan Lake was stocked with 2,200 pounds of catfish and Logan County residents were allowed to fish for free. Many people caught at least one fish and reeled in eight or more.

Price said everyone seemed to have a great time at the first countywide fish fry.

“I was really impressed and tickled to death,” Price said. “People were still coming in around 3 p.m. as we were closing down.”

Price said he has already started talking about next year’s event with Man Mayor Jim Blevins and Logan Mayor Serafino.

“We have been talking about what we can improve upon,” Price said. “We’re looking at next year’s fish fry and everyone is excited.”

Price said the fish fry was the first for the Man and Logan mayors. Chapmanville has been holding the fish fry for the last few years and Price decided to make it a countywide event when the old pond in Chapmanville was no longer available.

Price then went to both Blevins and Nolletti and asked if they would join the town of Chapmanville in a fish fry for the whole county.

“Serafino and Jim were very pleased with the turnout,” Price said. “This was their first fish fry, so they didn’t really know what to expect. We are excited to start working on next year’s event.”

Anglers caught their fish and brought them to be flayed and Fat Jack’s was on site to fry the catfish.

“Fat Jack’s, as usual, does a fantastic job. He arrived at the fish fry and was ready to start serving food,” Price said. “And we were pleased that Coca-Cola provided the drinks.”

The lines were long throughout the day for fish sandwiches and hot dogs that were provided by Fat Jack’s.

There was also a lot of local talent performing at the fish fry.

Several bands performed and drew large crowds.

“A lot of people came just to hear the bands perform,” Price said.

Next year, Price said he hopes to make it easier for elderly and handicapped anglers to maneuver around the lake.

“We’ve talked about getting a four-wheeler from Keefer’s to help shuttle people around, especially the elderly and handicapped,” Price said. “There was a 93-year-old who came to the lake and was fishing on his own. He climbed up the banks to get a hot dog and had been casting his own rod. I’d like to make it easier for people to get around the lake, which is actually very large.”

Price said he was pleased with the first-ever fish fry and is excited for next year’s event.

“We had people from ages 4-5 all the way to 93 who were there fishing and enjoying the day,” Price said. “I am very excited for next year’s fish fry.”

To contact Staff Writer Michael Browning, call 304-752-6950, extension 309, or email him at mbrowning@loganbanner.com.