On Friday evenings from March 4 through April 8, the Parish Center of St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, Second and Union streets, Columbia, will be buzzing with activity. Teams of volunteers will be dishing up the church's Lenten Fish Fry, a tradition that dates back four decades.

Last year's fish fry was takeout only due to the pandemic, but this year will mark a return to dine-in, with takeout also available. Food will be served from 4 to 6:30 p.m.

The menu will include platters of baked cod, fried filet of fish, fried shrimp, fish sticks, fried scallops, fried oysters and breaded fried clam strips. Macaroni and cheese, french fries, stewed tomatoes, a vegetable, coleslaw and a dinner roll are included in the price of the platter. A la carte items include a fried fish filet sandwich, an oyster sandwich, french fries, macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes, coleslaw and cheesy bread sticks with marinara sauce. Homemade soups may also be purchased by the bowl, in a pint or by the quart. A variety of individually wrapped baked goods made by the women of the parish will also be available.

"I'm very excited that we are back in person," said Mandee Sahd-Havrilla, who has been volunteering with the fish fry for about nine years. "I'm looking forward to seeing everyone in person."

The Rev. Augustine Joseph noted that people ask about the fish fry and look forward to it every year. "It's a community event," he stated, adding that it offers a nice alternative to cooking dinner on a Friday night. "It's about building community, supporting Columbia and the surrounding towns. It's open for everyone."

Sahd-Havrilla, who wears her grandmother's apron while working at the fish fry, said it's been a tradition in her family for years. "I remember my grandma used to help with this," she recalled. "She was super involved in the church, and this is a way for me to honor her and hold her in my memory since she passed away."

The fish fry is sponsored by the Parish Council of Catholic Women with assistance from men of the parish. Proceeds are used to fund various activities in the parish.

Dayna Wickenheiser, who has also been volunteering with the fish fry for about nine years, encouraged people to make plans to come out for a meal. "It's a really nice time," she stated, noting that a nun in the parish often plays the banjo and entertains the crowd. "There's a lot of laughter, fun and fellowship."

Parking for the fish fry is available adjacent to the Parish Center, and the Parish Center is handicapped-accessible. Reservations are not needed for the meal. Dine-in customers will be asked to wear masks when not eating and to practice social distancing.