NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The smell of fried fish and chicken filled the air Friday as hundreds gathered at Friendly Chapel Church of the Nazarene for its annual fish fry, a beloved community tradition that’s been going strong for nearly four decades.
What began 38 years ago as a small fundraiser by local business leaders to support the church’s soup kitchen has grown into one of Pulaski County’s largest outreach events. This year, more than 3,500 meals were served in honor of the late Pastor Paul Holderfield Jr., who led the church for 27 years following his father, Friendly Chapel founder Paul Sr.
“We just wanted to be a blessing to the community, and that’s what we’ve done,” said Cathy Holderfield, Paul Jr.’s wife, who now oversees the event alongside their children, grandchildren and church volunteers.
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The fish fry, once hosted at venues like Simmons Bank Arena and the National Guard Armory, moved to the church’s grounds in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That year, dubbed “Payback 2020,” organizers donated meals to first responders, the Pulaski County Jail…