Thousands once again enjoy Judah Fest, the largest fish fry held annually in Gainesville

Families gathered together for a day of free fun and food during PASSAGE Family Church's annual Judah Fest community celebration.

Judah Fest is the northeast Gainesville church's largest community outreach event of the year, and it featured the community coming together to enjoy more than 1,000 pounds of fried fish, served along with coleslaw, hot dogs, fixings and drinks.

Held Saturday at Citizens Park adjacent to the King Center in northeast Gainesville, the event also featured live performances by choirs, praise dancers and soloists from PASSAGE Family Church and other community organizations.

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The church’s theme this year is: “Go Let Your Light Shine.”

“This is a family event intended to bring the community together through a Christ-centered approach of loving people,” said Pastor George B. Dix Jr., senior pastor and co-founder of the church. “Everything we do is bringing glory to God.”

The event is a great way for families to enjoy one another without a cost, Dix said.

“Families have many things going on,” Dix said. “We want people to come out and enjoy and allow us to be a blessing to them.”

Hundreds of children enjoyed bounce houses and lined up to get their faces painted.

“I enjoy the food and the games,” said Angela Jones, who regularly attends the annual festival. “I love how this event is not just for the church, but for the community.”

Jones said she is grateful for the leadership that Dix and his wife and co-founder of the church, Lady Michele Dix, provide to the church and community.

“George and Michele Dix are very good leaders,” Jones said.

Ameshia Daniels and Kerri Souter said this year was their first time attending Judah Fest.

“This is wonderful,” Souter said. “I enjoy the atmosphere, and it is a great get-together for the community and the kids.”