Fish "Fry-day": A look at the tradition
By: Chelsea Rarrick
Updated: February 24, 2012
"Fish Fry Friday" is a popular tradition around the Mohawk Valley and draws an even bigger crowd at the start of Lent.
The people at the Eagle Club in Utica say they've been participating in this tradition ever since they can remember.
They say it goes back to a custom of not eating meat on Friday's during lent.
But today, Catholic or not, it seems that almost everyone enjoys the Friday meal.
"I love Fish Fry Friday," said 4-year-old Amelia Guarascio.
Whether you're old or young, Fish "Fry-day" is a longtime tradition that's been in some families for generations.
"Our, parents, our grandparents...I grew up in a Italian family. I've been doing it all my life," said Julie Conti.
Along with getting together with friends and family, Conti is a member of the Catholic church.
And the rule of thumb for her, no mean on Friday's during Lent.
With no meat on Friday's means more fry fry eating, and a lot more preparation.
"All day long it takes us...usually we come in around three, but during lent we come in around 1 p.m. and start prepping," said cook, Anthony Carcone.
Alicia Guarascio may not practice Lent, but that doesn't stop her from carrying on the tradition in her family.
"I want my children to grow up every Friday getting together. I want to pass that down to them," she said.
The people at the Eagle Club in Utica say they've been participating in this tradition ever since they can remember.
They say it goes back to a custom of not eating meat on Friday's during lent.
But today, Catholic or not, it seems that almost everyone enjoys the Friday meal.
"I love Fish Fry Friday," said 4-year-old Amelia Guarascio.
Whether you're old or young, Fish "Fry-day" is a longtime tradition that's been in some families for generations.
"Our, parents, our grandparents...I grew up in a Italian family. I've been doing it all my life," said Julie Conti.
Along with getting together with friends and family, Conti is a member of the Catholic church.
And the rule of thumb for her, no mean on Friday's during Lent.
With no meat on Friday's means more fry fry eating, and a lot more preparation.
"All day long it takes us...usually we come in around three, but during lent we come in around 1 p.m. and start prepping," said cook, Anthony Carcone.
Alicia Guarascio may not practice Lent, but that doesn't stop her from carrying on the tradition in her family.
"I want my children to grow up every Friday getting together. I want to pass that down to them," she said.
