The Lenten season begins next week, calling for 40 days of self-discipline as Catholics and other Christians prepare for Easter.
Along with Lent comes one other season staple: fish frys.
In Mid-Missouri, there's no shortage of options for area fish frys. To help you navigate the season, we've compiled this list of some of the fish frys coming up.
Remember, this is not a comprehensive list of all area fish frys. If you don't see your event on the list, add it to the News Tribune's event calendar at newstribune.com/go/.
Now let's get fryin'!
Jefferson City
The Eagles Club will host fish frys from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 28, March 6, March 13, March 20, March 27 and April 10 at the club location at 1411 Missouri Blvd. Lunch will include fish, baked beans, buttered potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, dessert and coffee or tea. Tickets are $10 and deliveries are available for orders of five or more. To order, call 573-636-2440 before 10:30 a.m. on serving days and ask for the kitchen.
American Legion Post 5 will host fish frys from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. every Friday from Feb. 28 through April 3 at the post at 1423 Tanner Bridge Road. Tickets are $10 and the meal includes fish, cornbread, cobbler and two sides, along with coffee or tea.
The Father Helias Knights of Columbus will host Lenten fish frys from 4:30-7 p.m. every Friday from Feb. 28 through April 3 at Knights of Columbus Hall, 1822 Tanner Bridge Road. The menu includes fried fish, gluten-free baked fish, fried shrimp, boiled shrimp, spaghetti, fries, hush puppies, baked potato and slaw, as well as a beer and wine bar. Each week, proceeds will go to a different organization, from the Vitae Foundation and Pregnancy Help Center to the Helias Foundation.
The Cathedral of St. Joseph Knights of Columbus will host Lenten fish frys from 4:30-7 p.m. Feb. 28, March 6, March 20 and March 27 at the cathedral undercroft, 2215 W. Main St. The all-you-care-to-eat dinner includes hand-breaded white fish fillets, macaroni and cheese, french fries, cornbread, coleslaw, green beans, ice cream and beverages. Tickets are $11 for adults, $5 for those ages 6-11 and $32 for a family. There will be a separate take-out line and each night will include a different theme and 50/50 raffle. The March 27 event will include a raffle for tickets to a Kansas City Royals game and a St. Louis Cardinals game.
Other areas
In Westphalia, the Knights of Columbus will host a fish fry from 4:30-7 p.m. Friday at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Westphalia. The menu will include fried fish, spaghetti, buttered potatoes, baked beans, hush puppies, coleslaw, applesauce, vegan black bean soup and dessert. Tickets are $11 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-10.
In Versailles, the Versailles Community Betterment Fish Fry Fundraiser is set for 5 p.m. Saturday at the First Assembly of God gymnasium on Hicks Street. The meal includes fried fish, "a plateful of fixings," homemade dessert and a drink. The event will also include a silent auction and live entertainment. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for those ages 10 and under, and can be purchased at the door.
In Holts Summit, the Knights of Columbus will host a catfish fry from 4-7 p.m. Feb. 28 and every Friday in March at St. Andrew Catholic Church. Tickets are $11 for adults and $6 for children ages 5-12.
In Russellville, the St. Michael Parish Knights of Columbus fish frys are set for 4:30-7 p.m. Feb. 28, March 13 and March 27 at St. Michael Catholic Church. The meal includes fried catfish fillets, coleslaw, potatoes, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, dessert and hot dogs. Tickets are $11 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. Adult carry-out is available.
In Vienna, the Knights of Columbus fish frys are set for 5-7 p.m. Feb. 28, March 13 and March 20 at 206 6th St. The all-you-can-eat meal includes catfish, spiral potatoes, baked beans, coleslaw, hush puppies, and macaroni and cheese.
In Tebbetts, the monthly Community Dinner at the Tebbetts Community Center will feature fish frys from 5:30-7:30 p.m. March 6 and April 3. The menu will include fried fish, barbecue burgers, sides, desserts and drinks. Tickets are $11 for adults and $2.50 for children.
This article was edited at 2:10 p.m. Feb. 20, 2020 to correct the serving time of the fish fry lunch at the Eagles Club in Jefferson City, and to add April 10 to their schedule.