Paducah Crawfish Boil Honors River Industry

On Saturday, May 16, hundreds gathered at the St. John Knights of Columbus Hall in Paducah, Ky., to honor the men and women of the river industry. Every year, the Paducah River Industry Crawfish Boil is held on the afternoon on which National Maritime Day is celebrated in Paducah. This event brings together not only maritime professionals, but their families and community for a celebration.

Even though the steaming trays of crawfish, andouille sausage, potatoes, onions and corn are the best you can find this far north, the conversations, stories, and laughter are even better.

Now in its 36th year, the Paducah River Industry Crawfish Boil was started by the late maritime attorney E. Spivey Gault. It was a favorite tradition he brought with him from Greenville, Miss., his prior home, also on the inland rivers.

The Paducah River Industry Crawfish Boil is more than just great crawfish; it’s a community’s expression of gratitude, a celebration of maritime and a tribute to the people who work in this great industry. I can see this special gathering lasting for years to come.