Knights of Columbus Begins Season of Weekly Fish Fries

This year, the Knights of Columbus Lenten fish fry isn't just for Lent – it's starting two weeks early. Fish fries this year started Friday and will continue every Friday through April 15.

"It's such a big community event. We had people asking us when we were going to start, so we decided to start two weeks earlier," said John Finke, former Dexter Knights of Columbus grand knight.

This year's fish fries are dedicated to the memory of Knight Jim Driver, who died in October, Finke said.

"Jim worked at a lot of fish fries," he said. "He would come early in the morning and stay until we were finished."

The fish fry is held from 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Friday through April 15 at the at 8265 Dexter-Chelsea Rd. Every week, the men cook about 400 to 500 pounds of fish that will serve about 550 people.

The menu includes all-you-can-eat baked or pan-fried fish, deep-fried breaded shrimp, french fries or baked potatoes, a full salad bar, macaroni and cheese and a cash bar that includes pop, water, wine and beer.

"There's a drive-thru for people who want to go home and eat," Finke said.

He said a lot of people line up at the door an hour before the fish fry.

Finke's wife, Mary Ann, also helps support the fish fries, along with Ladies Auxiliary members.

"The Ladies Auxiliary supports the Knights in a lot of activities," she said.

For the fish fry, women bake desserts ranging from pies and cakes to cookies, doughnuts and brownies.

"A lot of people come just to get the desserts," Finke said.

The cost for the dinner is $10 for walk-ins and $9 for drive-thru. Children's meals cost $5.

"People come in and help themselves," Finke said. "They enjoy sitting down with friends. It's a big social thing."

Knight Don Kruszewski said he has been working at the fish fry for 12 years and enjoys the camaraderie.

"It brings all the guys together, working for a good cause," he said.

Finke said proceeds from the fish fry stay within the local community. In the past, the club has donated to Dexter Community Schools and to the Dexter Area Fire Department, among other organizations.

"People understand that when you buy a meal, the proceeds circle back to support their neighbors," said Finke, who added that the Knights of Columbus has been serving the fish fries for the past 15 to 20 years.

He said the event itself is fun to work at, and many children from local churches come to help out.

"It's a fun family kind of thing. Kids have their friends come and help roll up their sleeves to help," he said.