As Lenten fish fry season starts to wind down, there’s at least one Lower Valley fundraiser hoping to reel people in with good eats.
Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services (SAVES) will host its annual Good Friday fish fry from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 3.
For the second year, the home-cooked bites will be served at Camp Guyasuta, the 175-acre Scouting property which can be accessed off 23rd Street in Sharpsburg.
“Each year, our community has the opportunity to come together for a meaningful cause at the SAVES fish fry,” member Kim Daniher said. “While it may seem like a simple community tradition, this event plays a critical role in sustaining the essential services provided by this dedicated, all-volunteer department.”
SAVES is a merged department of Aspinwall and Sharpsburg. The department relies heavily on two main fundraisers each year — the January Cash Bash and Good Friday fish fry.
Proceeds help support operating costs such as equipment maintenance, protective gear, training and response readiness.
Customers will have eat-in, takeout or local delivery options.
On the menu are fish sandwiches for $10, fish dinners for $14, shrimp baskets for $8 and shrimp dinners for $12. Sides include French fries, pierogies or macaroni and cheese, all $4, or cole slaw for $2.
“I encourage everyone to attend to show the department how much they mean,” said Daniher, whose husband, Mike, is the department chief and the ranger at Camp Guyasuta. She is the camp’s director.
“Your support is more than a meal. It’s an investment in the safety and well-being of our entire community,” she said.
Across the country, volunteer fire departments like SAVES comprise nearly 70% of fire services, according to national data. Despite this, many departments face ongoing funding challenges, dwindling volunteerism and inconsistent grants.
“Rising costs for equipment, fuel and training only add to the strain,” Daniher said.
“Despite these challenges, the volunteers of Station 102 continue to answer the call — serving not only Aspinwall and Sharpsburg but wherever they are needed.”
Department leaders agreed to keep the fish fry at the scenic Camp Guyasuta, in part because it’s large and convenient. The camp’s full kitchen allows eat-in dining to resume after years of takeout only.
And, they agreed, the property gives people a beautiful view while they eat their lunch or dinners.
Preorders will be accepted through 8 p.m. April 2 at 412-680-4349 or southern-allegheny-valley-emergency-services-fish-fry.square.site.
No phone orders will be taken after 3 p.m. Friday. Payments are due when ordering.
Camp Guyasuta is accessible for people with disabilities.