FullSizeRender 442 Scenes from the Cahaba River Society 9th Annual Fry-Down at Railroad Park — 2018 Cahaba River Society Fry-Down at Railroad Park. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now

The 9th Annual Cahaba River Society Fry-Down on September 30 at Railroad Park was the most successful in its near decade long history.

“We had a great turnout of people today eating fish and helping us protect the Cahaba River,” said Beth Stewart, Executive Director of the Cahaba River Society at the end of the Sunday afternoon event.

20180930 153313 Scenes from the Cahaba River Society 9th Annual Fry-Down at Railroad Park — Face-painting at the 9th Annual Cahaba River Society Fry-Down at Railroad Park. Photo by Katie Shaddix

The 9th Annual Cahaba River Society Fry-Down at Railroad Park. Photo by Jacob Blankenship for Bham Now

“We’ve had a lot more people than last year, but what I love is that I don’t know most of the people here,” added Stewart. “There is all these new people who are learning about the Cahaba River through this event, and that is the idea of the event. Broadening the base of supporters and learn why the Cahaba River is important to them.”

The competition between the Fry-Down teams was fierce. Here are the winners of the 2018 Cahaba River Society Fry-Down.

CROWD FAVORITE: Spire

Spire wins crowd favorite Scenes from the Cahaba River Society 9th Annual Fry-Down at Railroad Park — Spire Fry-Down team, “Crowd Favorite” at the 9th Annual Cahaba River Society Fry-Down at Railroad Park. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now

BEST SIDE-DISH (Best Side-kick): Samford University
MOST CREATIVE (Fish with an Attitude): Amerex

IMG 9396 Scenes from the Cahaba River Society 9th Annual Fry-Down at Railroad Park — Amerex, Overall 2018 CRS Fry-Down winner. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now

BEST PRESENTATION (Best Dressed): International Expeditions
BEST OVERALL (Baddest Fish in the River): Amerex
KEN BOWEN TEAM SPIRIT AWARD: International Expeditions
MISS CONGENIALITY: L’hoist
CHAMPION OF THE CAHABA: Vulcan Materials Company

FullSizeRender 444 Scenes from the Cahaba River Society 9th Annual Fry-Down at Railroad Park — Vulcan Materials Company Fry-Down team at the 9th Annual Cahaba River Society Fry-Down at Railroad Park. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now

It is all about our water

“Even if you don’t live near the river or swim in the river the likelihood is you drink the Cahaba River out of your tap. The health of the river keeps our drinking water healthy, abundant and affordable,” concluded Stewart.