Catfish on Parade - Belzoni, Mississippi

By Melissa Townsend

The Humphreys Arts Council along with the City of Belzoni and the Belzoni-Humphreys Development Foundation will unveil “Catfish on Parade,” an art display of 33 creatively painted fiberglass catfish in front of local businesses and through-out the quaint Delta town. You will see characters strutting around town such as “Florence Nightingale” sponsored by the hospital, “Alicat” at Alison’s restaurant, and “D. Fin Der” in front of a local law firm.

Belzoni seems to have the natural ingredients for a recipe of success to cook up such an artful undertaking. They have an enthusiastic mayor, a slew of both professional and surprisingly talented amateur artists, and a ubiquitous town mascot that has managed to sustain itself in today’s volatile farming economy. Mayor Tom Turner, arts council board member Laura Townsend and local artist Betty Parker had each seen fiberglass animals showcased on the streets of New Orleans and Seattle. The trio traveled to Meridian, the first city in Mississippi to join the national phenomenon, to see 37 colorful carousel horses on display. Official plans were soon underway.

“We should see some increase in the festival attendance this year, but we are really hoping ‘Catfish on Parade’ will become an ongoing tourist attraction. It will be a great addition to the city’s many other attractions such as Wister Gardens, the Catfish Capitol, and Mama’s Dream World,” stated Mayor Turner.

Standing five-feet-tall, the custom molds were designed by Cow Painters of Chicago, the studio who also provided consultation for the Meridian exhibit. Local businesses sponsored a fish and an artist. “So many places have done this as a charity fundraiser but this is a community arts project. We plan to display the fish for as long as possible, hopefully for years to come,” said Townsend, arts council board member.

Rita Halbrook, a painter for 25 years and handmade paper artist, crafted the “Blues Cat” complete with a handmade hat and guitar representative of “all the bluesmen of Mississippi” and reminiscent, she says, of Boogelon and Belzoni’s own Pinetop Perkins.

In addition to up-and-coming artist Joy Barret, another hidden talent will be revealed due to the work of schoolteachers and healthcare workers alike. They have jumped in with so much creativity that one could not easily discern amateurs from seasoned professionals. And unlike other cities where the artists are paid, the catfish artists volunteered their time and put in may long hours. “It is what artists can do to help the community and bring everyone together,” said Halbrook. “It is a labor of love and just a fun, fun project.”