For many religious practitioners, Lent is a season of prayer, fasting and observance starting on Ash Wednesday and leads up to Easter.
For others, it’s fish fry season, a time to help support local fire departments, churches and restaurants in the pursuit of satisfying seafood and side dishes.
This is the 16th such season at Holiday Park Volunteer Fire Department for assistant chief Josh Scalamogna, and the sixth fundraising frenzy with him at the helm.
“We’re always looking to improve our operation and provide the best product to our customers,” Scalamogna said. “We’re always getting new help. I think we’re going to keep improving. More people are going to hear about us, and we’re going to keep increasing customers while providing excellent quality food.”
Between 20 and 25 volunteers work at the various stations on any given night.
The menu has slightly changed. The crab cakes have more filling. Pizza was reduced from large 12-inch pies and served by the slice to nine-inch personal pans, and haluski recipes were updated.
Inflation has impacted the department. Cost of hand-breaded fish sandwiches, as well as the crab cakes, shrimp and other items have increased slightly.
“Unfortunately, we had to raise our prices this year to cover the inflated prices of the product that we provide,” Scalamogna said. “That was just to help cover the increase (of supplies). Oil went up. Fries went up. Mac ’n’ cheese went up.”
Scalamogna said there are no financial goals this year. He anticipates selling about 6,000 pounds of fish by the end of the season. The department sold more than 5,000 pounds last year.
“We need this to support our everyday operating budget and keep providing services to the community,” Scalamogna said. “(We hope) to make as much as we can while providing quality food and meeting everyone’s satisfaction. If you haven’t given us a try, give us a try.”
Volunteers will deliver meals up to a five-mile radius from the station. That includes parts of Murrysville and Monroeville. Delivery order minimum is $20.
A listing of other fish fries in the Alle-Kiski Valley can be found at triblive.com.
