It's Fish (and Shrimp) Fry Time At Local Churches

As Mardi Gras festivities come to an end, so Lent begins. And that means it's fish fry season across the area - including established fish frys in Fenton and High Ridge.

St. Paul Catholic Church in Fenton and St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in High Ridge are preparing for fish frys for Lent, which begins Wednesday, known as Ash Wednesday.

Though fish frys are most closely associated with the Catholic observance of meatless Fridays during Lent, they also become a parish and public gathering with a family atmosphere. Many families travel to different churches each week to sample the fish fry fare.

St. Paul Catholic Church, 15 Forest Knoll Dr., Fenton

Workers will start around noon preparing for the weekly fish fry, which is from 3:30 to 7 p.m. every Friday during Lent, including Good Friday, April 22.

A fish dinner, which features baked or fried cod, is $8.50; a child's version is $4.50. Shimp dinners (six pieces) are $5; or $4.50 for a child's version (3 pieces). Carry-outs are available.

A cheese pizza dinner also is available for kids.

Each dinner comes with two side orders, coffee, dessert and a drink. Side orders include spaghetti, green beans, cole slaw, macaroni and cheese and applesauce. Cake or pie, often homemade, is for dessert.

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 3009 High Ridge Blvd., High Ridge

The High Ridge Knights of Columbus operate the fish fry at St. Anthony's beginning Ash Wednesday, and will be from 4 to 7 p.m. every Friday during Lent except for Good Friday, April 22.

An 8 oz. fish dinner is $8.50; a child's version is $5.50. Shimp dinners (10 pieces) are $9; or $5.50 for a child's version (five pieces). Carry-outs are available.

Each dinner comes with two side orders, dessert and a drink. Side orders include spaghetti, green beans and cole slaw. A variety of desserts are available.