The Solon American Legion’s annual Lenten Fish Fry tradition will return again this year, bringing a well-loved community event back every Friday beginning from after Ash Wednesday and continuing through the Good Friday holiday from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Legion, 222 Main St.
The event, which has been a local staple for over two decades, serves both as a weekly social outing for residents and an important fundraiser for supporting various building improvements, veteran programs and ongoing Legion activities and expenses.
This year, Denny Hansen, Sgt. at Arms for Stinocher Post 460, says guests will notice one change to the menu. The Legion is making the switch from traditional cod loins to hake cod, which is a similar type of fish previously served a few seasons ago.
“We used it before and people really liked it,” Hansen said. “It wasn’t available for a while because our supplier couldn’t get it, but now it’s back. With food prices going up so much, this made the most sense.”
Other than the fish, the meal will remain consistent with what has been served in previous years: fried fish, cheesy potatoes, coleslaw and rye bread. Hansen says the all you can eat dinner is priced at $19 for adults and $9 for children 12 and under, while preschool-age children eat at no cost. The event is primarily dine-in, but carryout meals are available for those who prefer to take the traditional meal home.
Proceeds from the annual fish fry also supports overall improvements at the Legion building, helping maintain the structure and finance renovations. Visitors this year may notice recent renovations, including significant remodeling work on the north end of the building that Hansen says would not have been possible without past fundraising efforts such as the fish fry.
“It really helps keep the Legion going,” Hansen said. “Those funds allow us to maintain the building and continue the programs we offer.”
Behind the scenes, volunteers are essential for a successful weekly meal. Preparation typically begins Thursdays, when volunteers gather to make sauces, prepare side dishes and organize supplies ahead of the Friday fry. The main dish itself, the fish, is cooked fresh Friday evenings and served to guests immediately.
“It’s all volunteers,” Danny said. “Legion members, spouses, auxiliary members, Sons of the
American Legion, Legion Riders and even some community members who just want to help. That’s what makes it work.”
Attendance remains strong every year, Hansen said adding the fish fry averaged about 375 meals per week last year, with the first hour typically drawing the largest crowds. Spring break weeks sometimes bring slightly lower turnout, but overall participation stays high.
Besides the food, Hansen emphasizes the fish fry’s important role as a community gathering space. Many patrons attend for not just the meal, but also for the chance to connect with neighbors and friends.
“It’s really about seeing people,” Hansen said. “You come in, you visit, you catch up with folks you haven’t seen in a while. It’s just a good community event.”
The tradition also draws visitors from outside the immediate local area. Hansen says the Legion has seen guests travel from areas such as Dubuque, Waterloo, Manchester and Farley after hearing about the event from friends or family.
For those unable to attend in person but are still interested in supporting the Legion, donations are accepted year-round. Contributions help fund building maintenance, the Legion color guard, the Avenue of Flags program honoring veterans at local cemeteries, auxiliary veteran support work and other initiatives.
Hansen says the continued community support is what allows the tradition to thrive in Solon.
“If someone comes once, they usually come back,” he said. “It’s become something people look forward to every year.”