The events serve as important fundraisers for churches and fire companies by offering fish and seafood meals, complete with all the fixings, for anyone abstaining from eating meat on Fridays during Lent or for those who simply like fish.

While Lent doesn’t start until next week, Excelsior Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, Bellwood, kicked off its fish fry events early — starting Jan. 26 this year.

There were 559 meals sold that first night, said Joe Whiteford, committee member.

Whiteford said the fire company’s fish dinners “are popular because of the quality of our products.”

Jim Reed (right) hands Jimmy Greene fries from the freezer at Excelsior Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 in Bellwood on Feb. 2. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

Meal options include baked fish, fried fish, chicken tenders or fried shrimp. Diners can choose two sides — macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes, French fries or coleslaw — and finish off with a complimentary dinner roll and dessert.

“Our macaroni and cheese is world famous,” Whiteford said. “Our cakes are homemade. … Us and St. Patrick’s are the two biggest fish dinners in Blair County.”

The meal is $14 and is served from 4 to 7 p.m. each Friday through March 29.

It is not unusual to serve between 700-850 people a night, Whiteford said.

The outpouring of community support is important, he said, adding that the fish dinners and the plant sale in May are the company’s two biggest fundraisers.

Jim Reed (right) hands Jimmy Greene fries from the freezer at Excelsior Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 in Bellwood on Feb. 2.