While many fire department and volunteer groups have cancelled their Lenten fish fries this year due to skyrocketing costs, the fish fry tradition continues at the Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company in Leechburg.
Customers filed inside the fire hall at a steady pace Friday evening as more than 10 volunteers kept busy cooking, preparing and packaging fried fish sandwiches, shrimp and chicken.
Leechburg VFC has served Leechburg for more than 131 years.
Self-funded through direct donations, the annual fish fry is an essential fundraiser for the company.
The company initiated a 2022 capital campaign to raise money for a new fire engine that is scheduled for delivery in September.
The cost of the new engine is $377,000.
The Leechburg fire company has reached 90% of the cost through ongoing fundraisers.
Supply chain issues have affected fundraisers, said company officials, and Leechburg’s organizers expressed their thanks to the public for supporting the fish fry.
“Your donation is greatly appreciated,” said longtime volunteer Melissa Aller of Leechburg.
April Smith, 32, is a new fish fry volunteer this Lenten season.
Smith is deaf but reads lips and has settled in learning the fish fry ropes and helped to package almost 300 fish sandwiches last week.
“I like to help everyone and be with people,” Smith said.
Customers may dine in or take out. Delivery is available.
The fish fry operates every Friday through Lent from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company is located at 268 Canal St.
Joyce Hanz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Joyce at 724-226-7725 , [email protected] or via Twitter .
