Big Bird Crawfish Boil
By Angela Guillory
aguillory@casscountynow.com
The “Big Bird Crawfish Boil” benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is this Saturday, May 17, just four miles south of Linden.
This year’s event will honor former Linden residents Bernie Maestas and Ricky Harrod. Big Bird officers and directors said they hope to clear $10,000 in one day to donate to the research hospital.
Plaques for each honoree will be placed on the walls of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in celebration of their lives.
The annual event begins with an auction at 11 a.m. with items donated by individuals and local merchants from all over the Ark-La-Tex. The last item to be auctioned will be the coveted “Big Bird Quilt.”
Don’t forget to purchase the annual “Big Bird” T-shirt. Members will be selling them at the event on Saturday.
To make donations for the auction contact Pam Cornett Whatley at 903-244-1935.
Cass County’s best cooks are known for their homemade baked goods for the annual cake walk.
Crawfish and the trimmings will be served at noon.
Jay Crawford and his crew from the A&L Hunting Club on FM 1617 have once again offered their services. For the past several years, they continue to serve up some spicy crawfish for event-goers.
If guests don’t like crawfish, they may opt to try some of their smoked chicken quarters, baked beans and potato salad or grab a “hit the spot” burger and hot dog.
While waiting for the abundance of food, attendees may want to participate in the horseshoe tournament. Just get up a team and via for a trophy.
“This year we are proud to present ‘4 Wheel Drive’ a local band from Mount Pleasant,” said Irene Webster, Big Bird committee member.
Webster said they should bring fun and great music to the festivities.
“Help to save the life of a child by making plans to attend the benefit and donate money to a worthy cause,” Webster said. “It might not be your child affected by cancer, but it could certainly be a grandchild or niece or nephew.”
To date, the Big Bird Crawfish Boil has donated more than $162,000 to St. Jude Research Hospital and all money raised has been from local donations.
The Bid Bird Committee members are also partnering with the Carter Blood Center. Attendees to the crawfish boil will have an opportunity save a life by giving the gift of life.
“The Big Bird Committee would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who spends their time and effort into making this fundraising event a success. The entire community’s hard work, dedication and generosity help to make this event a success,” Webster said.
To get to the event from Linden go west on Texas Highway 155. Take the first left at County Road 1617. The event is 4.3 miles on the right look for signs.
