Jenny Fink, a fourth grade teacher at St. Mary School began the first Lenten Fish Fries in the school cafeteria in 1987 with a core group of parents and other volunteers. “She had a brainstorm to provide a great meal and a place for parish and community members to get together,” said Gretchen Roeth, one of the original volunteers. “Her enthusiasm and energy got everything rolling,” said Bob Hartings, another volunteer.
“We used a family tartar sauce recipe from the Scott family and asked Bill Caserta to make all of the cole slaw for us,” they added. “Jenny ordered the fish which we battered with another Scott family breading recipe and we added french fries and applesauce to the meal and we were set to go,” continued the duo.
“We were working in the old cafeteria of St. Mary School initially until the school (now Piqua Catholic) was remodeled and a new kitchen and cafeteria were opened in 1994. In the initial years we served about 200 people. Today in our 30th year of sponsoring the fish fries, the number has grown to well over 350,” they said.
Mitch and Angie Hohlbein, current chairpersons of the event, order all of the food and organize volunteers and other co-chairs who help with the 6 week Lenten fish fries. “We now offer both breaded and baked fish along with macaroni and cheese or fries and applesauce or cole slaw,” Hohlbein said. “We also have home-made desserts available that are sold by various parish groups as their fundraiser.”
“Fish fries would not be possible without the many, many volunteers and people behind the scenes who help,” said the Hohlbeins. “This event is a great time for parish and community members to enjoy some great food and have a chance to get together.”
The first of the 6 week Lenten Fish Fries will take place Friday, March 3, from 5-7 p.m. in the cafeteria of Piqua Catholic School located at 503 W. North Street. Special pricing is available for children and senior citizens. Carry-outs are also available for those that wish to take their meals home.
For more information, contact Linda Richard at the Parish Office by calling 773-1327.