Historical Society fish fry gets new name

This year, the Longboat Key Historical Society and Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub will host the society’s annual fish fry under a new name: “Grouper vs. Mullet Fry Off.” The event has taken place for six years under the name, “The Pioneer Fish Fry,” and it is based on similar fish fries that took place in the ’50s in the Village neighborhood. In “the good ol’ days,” according the Historical Society President Tom Mayers, the mullet was so thick in Sarasota Bay that you could walk on them, and it seemed only appropriate that they serve local fish at the event. They began serving both mullet and grouper a few years ago, so the new name follows suit for its seventh year.

The event is an annual fundraiser for the Historical Society and is what Mayers calls a “pioneer event,” which means that local pioneers are invited to attend to talk about what Longboat Key was like in the old days.

The Historical Society is still deciding what will take place in the upcoming year in terms of its speaker schedule, but it has already scheduled a Dec. 7 wine tasting hosted by Harry’s Continental Kitchens.

IF YOU GO
“Grouper vs. Mullet Fry Off”
What: The two fishes will face off against each other amid the Historical Society Fish Fry’s usual mix of food, drinks, live entertainment by Blues Pig, dancing and more. The event begins at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, at Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub, 760 Broadway.
Cost: Tickets are $30.
Info: Call 387-8323.