In case you missed it, today, February 16, 2024 (the first Friday of Lent, dontcha know), is Friday Fish Fry Day. Like, officially Friday Fish Fry Day. The homegrown holiday was first cooked/fried up in 2021 by Milwaukee Record fish fry expert Caleb Westphal. In 2023, Milwaukee officially recognized the day; now, in 2024, the entire state of Wisconsin has given it its blessing. Gaze upon the official proclamation from Gov. Tony Evers!
So how should one celebrate Friday Fish Fry Day—beyond, you know, getting a fish fry with friends and family? Once again, Caleb and Friday Fish Fry Day are partnering with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. Folks are encouraged to donate $10 to the local hunger-relief organization, in the spirit of “buying dinner” for a neighbor in need. Oh, and when you make your online donation, be sure to answer the Big Question: “Who is your favorite Wisconsin fish fry?” Results will be shared at the end of the campaign.
So happy Friday Fish Fry Day, Wisconsin! Find a TMJ4 interview with Caleb HERE, and find the the text of the governor’s proclamation below:
WHEREAS; Friday night fish fry is a time-honored tradition in Wisconsin, and the state boasts thousands of restaurants, supper clubs, bars, taverns, churches, community centers, and businesses that host weekly fries; and
WHEREAS; as a large population of Catholic European immigrants settled in Wisconsin in the nineteenth century, the need for a meat alternative on Fridays during Lent became prevalent across the state, helping to establish the Friday night fish fry tradition, in addition to having an abundance of lakes and rivers with a variety of fresh water fish options, including perch, cod, bluegill, walleye, and more; and
WHEREAS; Wisconsin’s breweries and taverns also play an important role in the lasting prevalence of the state’s fish fries, as they became popular hosts of Friday night fish fries during Prohibition to keep their businesses afloat, as well as by providing local beer for a classic beer battered fish fry; and
WHEREAS; often comprised of beer-battered and deep-fried fish, potatoes, coleslaw, rye bread, tartar sauce, and a lemon wedge, Friday night fish fries bring together family, friends, and neighbors to share in an iconic Wisconsin meal and tradition and to support local businesses and industries; and
WHEREAS, today, the state of Wisconsin joins fish fry enthusiasts across the state in celebrating this cherished Friday night tradition;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Tony Evers, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, do hereby proclaim February 16, 2024, as
FRIDAY FISH FRY DAY
throughout the State of Wisconsin, and I commend this observance to all our state’s residents.
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• Milwaukee fish fry expert Caleb Westphal reflects on 500 (!) consecutive Friday fish frys