Clearwater American Legion Post 323 kicked off the area’s fish fry season Sunday with their 63rd annual fish fry, and the community was ready.

Steady streams of people came through the door from the time the event started at 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. when it concluded. Whether they were there to eat fish or to bid on items in the silent and live auctions, they all came to support the Legion and the vets they serve.

Along with all the fish they could eat, hungry attendees filled their plates with baked beans, coleslaw, and dinner rolls.

“The cool thing is people we only see one day a year come to the fish fry,” said Legion Member Mel Wiese. “We know they’re here to support us.”

The silent auction, which featured over 70 donated items, began at 11 a.m.; the live auction, which featured over 60 donated items, began at 4 p.m. Throughout the event attendees could participate in meat raffles and prize drawings.

Along with those who came out to the fish fry, Legion members donated and delivered 15 meals to homebound vets in the area. 

Corporate sponsors of the fish fry were American Heritage Bank, Kwik Trip, and State Farm-Dave Nelson. Other sponsors included Scott Richards, Blaine Brothers, Balanced Planning, Danco, Sniezek Group, Arnie Ergen, Gentz Financial, Young and Brown, Burkhardt & Burkhardt, and Clearwater Chiropractic.

The annual fish fry is the only fundraiser  that supports the Clearwater Legion by adding to the general fund to pay operating costs. Last year’s event helped pay for the remodeling of the Legion building’s bathrooms.