Historical Society casts net for fish fry

For the 11th year, Longboaters can get hooked on the Longboat Key Historical Society’s Old Thyme Fish Fry on Oct. 30.

The event dates back to the 1950s, when the newly formed Longboat Key volunteer fire department held a fish fry to raise money for its first fire truck.

The fish fries eventually stopped until the Historical Society resurrected the tradition in 2005. Each year, the event serves as a way for residents to reunite with their friends in the fall.

“It’s kind of like the first social event of the season,” Historical Society President Pam Coleman said. “It’s the first time everybody coming back from the summer gets together.”

Tickets this year are $30 and include grouper, sides such as hush puppies and coleslaw, key lime pie and two beers or glasses of wine.

The Historical Society is limiting the event to 200 people this year, and food will be served by waiters, rather than self-served. There will also be tables and chairs for 60 additional people, so guests won’t have to sit on the pool chairs.

The event will feature a 50/50 raffle, and guests can enjoy music by the Blues Pig Band, which will perform Longboat Key-themed songs.

 “Everybody just loves to come to this,” Historical Society board member Vera Freeman said. “Just seeing all the people coming in having a wonderful time is a great thing.”

Proceeds from the event and raffle will go toward the Historical Society’s programs. Coleman expects to raise $1,200 this year.

“It’s just a good ole’ get-together,” said Shirley Beachum, who helped organize the event. “It’s all about a fish dinner, music for listening and dancing and having a good time.”