The Orrville Farmer’s Market was recently named as a finalist in the ALFA Farmers Bama’s Best Catfish Restaurant Challenge.

The market, along with Catfish N Que in Cullman, David’s Catfish House in Atmore and Swamp John’s in Red Bay were named finalists out of more than 250 nominations.

A panel of three judges will be visiting the finalists this week to decide who will win the overall award and be named the best catfish restaurant for 2017.

The challenge seeks to reward restaurants for serving U.S. farm-raised catfish, said Alabama Catfish Producers Chairman Sid Nelson.

“Our fish is some of the best on the market, and we’re excited to see our product go from pond to plate,” said Nelson, a Sumter County farmer. “These restaurants dish up a safe, healthy product we’re proud to provide.”

The winner of the contest will be named next week in time for National Catfish Month in August.

The winner will receive a cash prize, a plaque and will be featured in the September Neighbors magazine, a publication of the Alabama Farmers Federation.

There will also be a people’s choice winner, will be voted on through “likes” on the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Facebook page under the Bama’s best catfish people’s choice award contest album. Voting is open now and will run through Tuesday, July 18 at 9 a.m.

Judges are Hale County catfish farmer and Catfish Farmers of America President Townsend Kyser, the Alabama Farmers Cooperative’s Jim Allen and Fred Hunter, host of the TV show “Absolutely Alabama.” Nelson will accompany judges as they travel the state visiting the finalists.

For more information, visit AlabamaCatfish.org.