Historical Society Fish Fry nets new location, date

Longboat Key fish fries are a tradition dating back to the 1940s, when locals needed to raise money for area organizations.

This year’s event is the same old-fashioned tradition — with a new date and location.

Since the Longboat Key Historical Society revived the tradition as a fundraiser in 2005, the event had been held each year on the third Friday in October at Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub.

This year, however, the event will take place Friday, Nov. 1, at Cedars Tennis Resort, 645 Cedars Court.

The Historical Society realized it needed a new location for the Fish Fry because of uncertainty that arose during the summer about whether Mar Vista would be under construction in the fall. (Its application with the town is currently on hold, so the restaurant will still be open for business.)

This year, the menu will offer grouper and mullet, along with the same fried favorites from past years, although Caesar salad and cornbread will be served instead of fried green tomatoes. After dinner, participants can dance to the music of Blues Pig.

Money raised from the event helps to offset Historical Society expenses, including costs of its speaker series and storage of museum items.

“It’s going to be the best fish fry we’ve ever had,” said Shirley Beachum, president of the Historical Society. “We have plenty of parking, good food and a lovely place to have it.”

Tickets are $25 in advance; $30 at the door.

Tickets will be available later this week at various locations: First Bank of Longboat Key, 5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Unit 101; Steff’s Stuff Antiques, which reopens Oct. 15, 5380 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Unit 101; Cedars; and Beachum’s home, 7025 Longboat Drive N. (Knock hard so she can hear you.)