The Moose Mountain Wildlife Federation (MMWF) decided this year to try something new for the people in the area by holding its first annual community fish fry Dec. 9 in Arcola at the MMWF hall on Main Street.
The event snowballed into happening before the Christmas season and donating the funds raised to the food banks in Carlyle and Lampman.
Close to 100 people enjoyed the fried fish, which was sourced through a commercial fishing operation. They needed to obtain a permit for the 100 pounds of walleye.
Along with the fried walleye, homemade fries cut from fresh potatoes, as well as coleslaw, homemade dipping sauce and baked beans from Weir’s Catering filled peoples stomachs. Dessert was also served.
The frying was done outside in three large fryers in an ice fishing shack to keep warm, but guests could go inside the MMWF hall to sit and enjoy their meal.
People from Redvers, Lampman, Carlyle, Arcola, Stoughton, Wawota, Manor and Kenosee Lake were present at the event.
Raffles were held with door prizes consisting of fishing rods, filleting knives, camping chairs and hats.
When the meal was completed, the leftover cooked and uncooked foods were auctioned off to the highest bidders.
The $10 meal ticket and raffle money were then donated to the food banks.
Mitchell Martel said the event was well attended and they are planning to hold this event annually in December, as they were pleased with how it turned out this year.
