Lent is a time of repentance, fasting, and preparation for the coming of Easter. It is also the season of the ever so popular fish frys.

There are over fifty-five fish frys in the local area of Cincinnati that are up and running every Friday during the Lenten season. Some Parishes that participate in the fish fry’s include: Our Lady of Visitation, our Lady of Victory, and Our Lady of Lourdes.  There is a lot of time and preparation that go into these events each year.

There are also butcher shops and delis that have their own fish frys during the season of Lent. My personal favorite is the fry at Bridgetown Finer Meats.  Their sandwich is huge and rather delicious!  I had the opportunity to talk to Brian Brogan, one of the owners of Bridgetown Finer Meats on Bridgetown Road.

“We have been doing our fish fry for the season of Lent for around 15 years and I have enjoyed every second of it,” proclaimed Brogan.

Brogan went on to tell me that their fish fry starts on Ash Wednesday, February 24 and runs through Good Friday, April 14. He also said that they sell the fried fish from 11:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. on Friday’s.

“We prepare the fish and other sides such as, green beans, macaroni and cheese, shrimp, and French fries three days in advance in order to keep up with the orders on Friday. On Fridays we fry the fish continually and try to predict the amount of fish and sides that are ordered throughout the day,” explained Brogan.

He also said they sold 1,853 sandwiches in one-day last year and they are hoping to beat that number this year.

Brogan went on to tell me that they have tried to do the fish fry outside of the season of Lent, but they do not get the same turnout as they do during lent.

I had the chance to speak with Nick Albers, a volunteer for Our Lady of Victory’s fish fry.

“I enjoy helping out my parish and watching it grow, and seeing all of the familiar faces from grade school and church,” stated Albers.

Albers also told me that he has volunteered at Victory’s fish fry for three years straight and plans to volunteer in the future.

“I help out frying the fish with my dad and some other friends so the moms are able to serve the fish to the customers,” explained Albers.

He also mentioned that being able to volunteer has shown him how effective a group of people can be when they come together and work as a team.

I had the opportunity to speak with JD Gators (Justin Donovan) a fish enthusiast here at Elder.

“I became a fish enthusiast ever since my mom slapped some fish sticks onto my animal plate in kindergarten. I instantly fell in love,” declared Gators.

Gators went onto say that he enjoys fried fish but that you can never go wrong with tuna fish in a pouch. He also told me that he will always go back to his true love which is breaded fish sticks.

He went on and told me that he gets his tuna from the Delhi Kroger and his fish sticks from Sam’s Club. He said that his mom usually buys them in bulk so he never goes a day without his fish.

“I regretfully do not participate in any fish fry’s, but I am a strong believer in them and you will definitely see me up at Victory’s fry so that I can get some crispy strips,” pronounced Gators.

Therefore, get out and enjoy some fried fish on Friday’s from your nearest parish, butcher shop or Deli.