Christian Dilger didn’t have to speak; his big smile said it all.
“This is our first time at the fish fry, and his first time eating fish,” said mom Katie, of Naperville, of the 1-year-old’s Friday visit to the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 fish fry in Naperville. “This is really a true test.”
And one, it seemed, that passed hook, line and sinker.
Ash Wednesday, which took place on Feb. 10 this year, marks the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period before Easter Sunday during which many Catholics have meat-free meals on Friday. It coincides with community fish fry season in Naperville, which attracts many Catholics but is not just for those honoring religious traditions.
“This is really a neighborhood gathering,” said Tim Belgio, of Belgio’s Catering, who coordinates all the food service for the Naperville VFW’s fish fry each year. “We offer a wide variety of menu items — including meat for those who want it — and it’s a chance for people to get out, see people who have been hibernating in the winter and have a great time.”
Each Friday during the weeks of Lent, Belgio estimates they serve between 400 and 500 guests.
“We’ve been going since the beginning,” Clifford Preston, 89, said of he and wife Eleanor’s habit of attending VFW fish fries for the 50 years they’ve been holding them. “When you find something good, you continue to go to them.”
Preston, a 63-year resident of Naperville and a Navy veteran, said the “fish is always fantastic,” and the price has stayed about the same over the years.
“Belgio’s does a great job; they usually have two kinds of fish and a meat as well, and salad and rolls and pasta,” Preston said. “It’s like old home week when we go, and we get to see a lot of people we don’t see during the week.”
Naperville resident Tom Rogers, chairman of the Sts. Peter and Paul’s fish fry, shared the same sentiment about their annual event, which is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council 1369.
“We have been doing this for 17 years, and it is really a community event where everyone is welcome,” Rogers said. “For folks who are looking for great food and a great time, we have it.”
Rogers said the fish fry is made possible by a host of children and adult volunteers, and serves about 450 guests each week.
“They come out and have fun, share a meal together and really enjoy the whole experience,” Rogers said. “It’s a great event.”
Funds raised at each of the local fish fries help the organizations with their charitable endeavors. So enjoy a fish dinner, without having to catch it, and help a good cause in Naperville.
Jane Donahue is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 Fish Fry
Where: Judd Kendall VFW Post, 908 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville
When: From 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 19, 26 and March 4, 11, 18, 25
Cost: $12 adults, $10 seniors, $7 kids, children under 3 are free
Food: Belgio’s Catering
Information: www.napervfw3873.org
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Sts. Peter and Paul Fish Fry dinner and live music
Where: Ministry Center Social Hall, 36 North Ellsworth Street, Naperville
When: From 5 to 9 p.m. Feb. 19, 26 and March 4, 11, 18
Cost: $9 adults, $7 kids. Early bird specials and other meal options available
Sponsor: Knights of Columbus Council No. 1369
Information: www.sspeterandpaul.net
St. Raphael Friday Fellowship Fish Dinner
Where: St. Raphael Catholic Parish, 1215 Modaff Road, Naperville
When: From 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 19, 26 and March 4, 11, 18
Sponsor: Knights of Columbus Council No. 14171
Information: www.st-raphael.com