March 23, 2015 at 2:48 p.m.
Nativity hosts annual smelt fry
Nativity hosts annual smelt fry
From wall to wall, tables were packed with smiling patrons visiting with their neighbors and carefully considering their prospects regarding the night's many raffles.
The main draw of the night though, as it's been every year for decades, is the smelt.
The small, deep-fried fish is heaped on every plate with optional tartar or cocktail sauce.
Paul Mueller, chair of the event, said it's an event that many people look forward to every year, and this year's installment was no different.
"It's been going on for decades, long before I got here," he said. "Now, it's the Knights of Columbus that put it on and all the money goes toward the Nativity schools. It's a big fundraiser for them and it's a good time."
John Zenk attends the event every year. He said the smelt fry holds a special meaning to him.
"As a Nativity alum, it's nice to get back and see some of my friends and acquaintances from over the years," he said. "I get to see people from church and it's a nice opportunity to get out and socialize while enjoying some great food. I love smelt. It's good and salty, and lightly breaded. It's a little delicacy.
It's the fish that makes the event so unique. It's not every day, even here in the Northwoods, that people have the opportunity to enjoy all-you-can-eat smelt. Mueller said it really helps the event stand out.
"Smelt used to be a lot bigger than it is now," he said. "There's not as much smelt in the lakes, from what I hear. It's just a good time though. You have to like smelt to enjoy the dish though. We also have the paddle wheel and everyone has a really good time. Turnout has been good."
Andy Hildebrand may be reached at [email protected].
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