By Amanda Ensinger
Staff Writer
The Prairie Township Firefighters Association announced the return of the beloved fish fry. The 71st annual event will take place from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, June 25 and Saturday, June 26 at Station 241, 123 Inah Ave.
“The fish fry is a time for many to reunite, catch up and spend a little time together,” said Lt. Jim Troesch, president of the Prairie Township Firefighters Association at a recent township board meeting. “I enjoy seeing school mates, friends, family and residents I have helped as a firefighter, or those I’ve met along the way.”
Last year the event was cancelled due to COVID-19. That was the first year in over 70 years the event did not take place.
This year the event will feature all the activities residents have come to love, including frying and serving approximately 2,000 pounds of ocean perch, as well as hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, coleslaw, fries, pies, cakes and soft drinks. The event also includes a variety of fair-style activities. This includes a beer garden, multiple community vendors and organizations, raffles, and evening entertainment by local bands. On Friday evening, a classic car cruise-in will take place at the fire station.
“It’s been 24 months since we have had our fish fry, so I will enjoy seeing smiles on so many faces of our attendees,” Troesch said.
All the proceeds from the event benefit the Prairie Township Firefighters Association. Funds help to purchase equipment the association needs, such as chairs in their fire house, cooking materials, beds and other items they need when the firefighters stay at the department during their shifts.
The main purpose behind the event is building relationships with the community.
“No fire department can be successful without community support,” said Fire Chief Allen Scott. “The Prairie Township community never fails to show their appreciation for the services provided by their fire department.
“The annual Fish Fry is a win-win event,” Scott continued. “The firefighters get to spend a couple days working hard to create a positive community event and the community gets to support the fire department a little more. Our members work extremely hard to prepare for this event and we’re so excited to bring it back.”
For more information on the fish fry, visit www.prairietownship.org.
In other township news, officials gave an update on the concession stand at the Galloway Road Sports Complex. The township agreed to rent out the stand to a private operator.
“There will be a restaurant on-site,” said Rob Peters, township administrator. “The cost I believe is $300 a month for this year and $350 a month next year.”
The stand recently opened and will operate until Oct. 31.
“The operator signed a two-year agreement,” Peters said. “When construction is over at the complex, we will then reevaluate and potentially renegotiate the rate to rent the concession stand.”
The township rented the stand to Rob Connors.
“I don’t want to have just the basic stuff,” Connors said. “We want to have a place families can get an affordable nice meal while they are at the complex.”
