Photo Provided VOLUNTEERS AT the Cadiz Volunteer Fire Department fry and box fish dinners for hungry customers last Friday. The department, along with several other organizations, is holding annual fish frys again this year. Some groups have opted not to hold the frys because of ongoing COVID-19 concerns.

With the Lenten season underway, many Ohio Valley residents are getting their Friday fish fixes at local fish frys across the Ohio Valley.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many people want to observe the religious tradition of giving up something for Lent. This often means a meatless Friday every week and the tradition of eating fish instead until Easter.

The fish frys often serve a dual purpose — to feed the many people looking for a meatless meal and to raise needed money used by organizations such as fire departments, churches and civic groups.

Patty Phillips, squad captain with the Smith Township Volunteer Fire Co., said the department’s first fish fry of the season “went over wonderfully” with many carry-out customers.

“We were so busy. We started taking orders at 7:30 a.m. Friday and at lunchtime we had 50 orders,” she said. “We have a new fire truck coming, so we’ve got to sell a lot of fish.”

She noted the vehicle is being built now and will arrive in late spring or early summer.

Phillips said this Friday the station will be opened up for dine-in eating at the request of some patrons last week. She believes some local elderly residents are looking for some social time together. The tables will be spread out, and sanitizing will happen in between patrons, she said, adding that the station’s new electrostatic sprayer will be used, too.

“Most people now just want to see somebody. Senior citizens used to have lunch and talk for a couple hours — they’re not getting that now. Everyone needs that interaction,” she said.

The Smith Township Volunteer Fire Co.’s fish frys are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays. Call 740-686-2150 for take-out orders. The department will also sell pie from Oliver’s Pies of Wheeling.

The Flushing Volunteer Fire Department is holding Friday Fish Frys from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Lent. People can dine in or carry out or have it delivered; call 740-968-4700. The department is also offering baked goods, too.

While the Bellaire Sons of Italy is well known for its pasta nights, it also sells fish during Lent. This year the Sons’ fish frys will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each Friday. For information, call 740-676-7137.

The St. Clairsville Order of Eagles serves fish from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each Friday. In addition to fried fish it also has shrimp, fish bites, fish tacos and other items. People can dine in or take out; call 740-695-9164.

The Cadiz Volunteer Fire Department is holding its fish frys from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays during Lent. People can order in advance by calling 740-942-3602 or at the station. The VFD reminds people to wear a mask if they come inside.

The Brilliant American Legion’s weekly Friday fish fries are held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Orders can be called in to 740-598-3515. Some limited delivery is available. The menu includes a choice of Coleman’s breaded fish sandwiches, chicken tender basket, shrimp basket and fish nugget basket. Dinners come with bread, french fries and coleslaw.

The Dillonvale Volunteer Fire Department is holding its annual fish frys from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays during Lent. Baked goods will also be sold.

“As always, carry out is available but due to COVID guidelines, dine in seating is limited,” the VFD noted on its social media.

The Sardis Volunteer Fire Department is holding its Friday fish frys from 4-7 p.m. It features Coleman’s fish sandwiches and dinners, along with coleslaw, french fries, baked beans or macaroni and cheese. Take out and limited delivery is available: call 740-483-1048.

“Masks and social distancing required. COVID protocols are in place,” the department notes on its Facebook page.

The Harrisville Volunteer Fire Department is not holding fish frys now, but it plans to hold them about two weeks before Easter. Times and dates will be announced later.