Annual Wauconda fish fry goes all carryout
Fellowship endures despite COVID-19 restrictions
For five Fridays during Lent this year, a Wauconda drive-thru fish fry will offer carryout dinners during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Queen of Angels Council #4535 of Wauconda is continuing its nearly two-decade tradition of Lenten fish fry suppers, with the first event held on Feb. 26.
In previous years, there were dine-in dinners at Transfiguration Parish in Wauconda. But this year, people can order online and in advance at www. kofcwauconda.com.
Meals are delivered to vehicles in the parish parking lot.
Despite the changes made due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tim Brunn of Island Lake, council grand knight, said fellowship is instilled.
“They’re coming together ... apart,” he said. “The thing is, maybe in the parking lot they see each other and say, ‘Hey, how’s it going?’ So, it might be a good thing.”
For the first Friday of the series, nearly 150 meals were ordered, compared to 345 meals served at a peak meal in 2019.
“And that night didn’t seem that busy, to be honest with you, because we’d gotten some practice,” said council treasurer Roger Huner of Wauconda.
Last year’s fish fry season was cut short when the pandemic shutdown began in March.
Brunn recalled, “Our first fish fry ever, when we started this two decades ago, (there were) 35 people in this hallway, OK?” he said, pointing to an indoor location right outside of the kitchen.
“Then it was 50, and then we had to do half of the gymnasium and then now every fish fry, it’s completely packed, as many tables as we can put out there, and it’s a really fun event,” he said. “Everybody puts tables together.
“This year,” Brunn said, “not as much fun.”
Huner said, “We’re kicking the tires, and we’re working out the kinks.”
The fish fry is a fundraiser for Transfiguration Parish and the community.
“Last year, we bought computers for the office,” Brunn said. “It’s nothing huge, but it pays for the little projects and little things that the community and the church need.”
Made in the commercial kitchen is a dinner which could include fried Atlantic cod, shrimp, baked potato, French fries, hush puppies, coleslaw, applesauce and a roll. Each fish dinner has a whole filet of cod, cut up and then fried after being coated by hand.
“We use a very light breading,” said Larry Wolff of Wauconda, the council’s financial secretary.
“For perfect fries ... (they’re) just a little golden brown, crispy,” said Bob O’Brien of Island Lake, recorder for the council.
Volunteer John McKeown of Island Lake joked about the commercial fryer in the church kitchen.
“The deep fryer’s called Chernobyl because it heats so dang fast,” he said. “It’s a monster.”
Prep work began in early afternoon to be ready for the 5 p.m. start of meal pickup. People arrived about 4:45 p.m.
Volunteer Carolyn Huner of Wauconda worked outside as a greeter.
“I think this can be done safely” she said. “It’s a great community effort. Everybody has such a good time, and they’re in there chit-chatting and all that stuff. And, since we can’t have all that, this (drivethru) is maybe the next best closest thing to it.”
Teens earning community service hours served as runners, bringing carryout to vehicles.
“I really like volunteering in general, that even with COVID we were able to have sort of a fish fry event. It’s just nice to be here,” said Maya Sarkis, 17, a junior at Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein, who delivered carryout to Karen Brunn of Island Lake.
“I think it’s great they’re doing this for the community,” Karen Brunn said.
Katie McKeown, 17, of Island Lake and a senior at Wauconda High School, delivered food to Donna Baseley of McHenry.
“I think this is so awesome,” Baseley said. “I am just so excited. I think this is great how they even have it. It’s very easy.”
“It’s great that they’re back again,” Manny Ochoa of Wauconda said. “We love what they do, and we love to support them.”
There will be four more Friday fish fry suppers through March. Creditcard-only transactions are accepted at www.kofcwauconda.com.