Blue Bonnet fryers sizzle for EMS benefit

By Glynis Crawford Smith

The Highlander

On Wednesday, March 9, diners will be lining up for more than fried fish at The Blue Bonnet Cafe. They will also be lining up to support the Marble Falls Area Emergency Medical Service (MFAEMS) at a twice-annual event that has become tradition.

From 4-8 p.m. at the historic restaurant at 211 US 281, each plate of fried fish purchased supports the local EMS. It has been going on more than 25 years on the first Wednesday of March and of November.

“We expect to serve around 600 people in four hours,” said John Kemper, who owns the Blue Bonnet with his wife, Belinda. “We will fry more than 300 pounds of fish. And, all the proceeds go to the EMS.”

The feast goes for $10 a plate for adults and $5, for children aged five years and younger. Take out orders will be filled on call at 830-693-2444.

 “It is not all-you-can-eat, but it's plenty of fish, french fries, cole slaw and hushpuppies,” Kemper said.

“Tickets are on sale at the cafe and at the EMS station at 609 Industrial Boulevard, but you can buy them at the door, as well,” said Johnny M. Campbell, executive director of MFAEM. “The fish fry brings in from $12-15,000 per year.

Read more about MFAEMS and the twice-annual fundraiser in the Friday, March 4, edition of The Highlander.