Although the Lenten season has come to an end, the smell of fried fish still lingers in the air. The Friday night Omaha fish fry is a pastime Omahans of any religious persuasion won’t ever give up. Several area churches, clubs and other organizations have fish fries as a way to not only raise funds but uplift community.
Any Friday during Lent when you’ve had a long day and don’t want to cook but want to enjoy a meatless meal, just remember there must be a fish fry nearby. Just follow that delicious smell, and — “holy mackerel” this line is long! But remember, the length of the line at any one Omaha fish fry is directly proportionate to the deliciousness of the fish inside.
Once you’re in, all is right with the world. There’s beer, fun, friends and, of course, fish. So be prepared to get your cod on — or pollock or catfish or salmon or tilapia.
And a good Omaha fish fry doesn’t just serve fish. Let’s hear it for macaroni and cheese, baked potatoes, spaghetti, grilled cheese sandwiches and desserts that take the cake!
Let’s reminisce on a Lenten tradition that is worth the wait.
Above: 2018: Raya Dzingle, a junior member of the American Legion Auxiliary, serves macaroni and cheese during a Friday fish fry at Post 216. Top left: 2016: Carl Schrat, left, toasts his friend and fellow veteran Orby Wells at the Lenten fish fry Friday at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. The two men know each other from the nonprofit organization Disabled American Veterans. Schrat, a member of St. Thomas More’s parish, served in the Navy during World War II. Wells served in the Army during the Vietnam War.
2016: Carl Schrat, left, toasts his friend and fellow veteran Orby Wells at the Lenten fish fry Friday at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. The two men know each other from the nonprofit organization Disabled American Veterans. Schrat, a member of St. Thomas More’s parish, served in the Navy during World War II. Wells served in the Army during the Vietnam War.