Fishy fundraiser

The Waseca firefighters hosted the annual Waseca Fire Department Relief Association fish fry and fundraiser Saturday, June 24 from 4 to 7 p.m that had people lined up down the street waiting for their fish. To make sure that they didn’t run out of fish like last year, the fire department had ordered more, making sure everyone received deliciously fried fish. 

“We always come to the fish fry,” said Jane Cervenka, who waited in line with her husband, Bob. Jane and Bob have not missed a fish fry since it started around 40 years ago, enjoying the fried fish and supporting the fire department.

“We have a good department in town here and we want to make sure it stays that way,” Bob explained. 

The annual fish fry is the second largest fundraiser the fire department hosts, the onion ring stand at the county fair being the largest only because it lasts more than one day. Even as the second largest fundraiser, there is still a lot of planning that goes into making the fish fry happen. Eric Cox, a firefighter at the Waseca department, explained that they have to send out the mailer early with details of the fish fry and requests for donations. 

“It’s a good time of the year for people in the community to donate to the fire department,” Cox said. 

The fish fry is a relief association event, but it is mandatory for all the firefighters and their spouses to attend and to help where they can. 

“We appreciate the community coming out every year and supporting us,” Cox said. “It’s nice to see everybody too.