WILLIAMS – The Williams Community Fish Fry took place Saturday at the Williams Community Center in Williams. Led by Allen Spreen and his father Mark Spreen, the fundraiser donates all the money raised to the community.
Last year, the reboot of the Fish Fry raised $1,300 for the community, which goes to bills and upkeep for the community center, as well as other community events throughout the year.
Becky Pinnick has been helping out at the Fish Fry, and community events in general for the last 50 years, ever since she was a kid. She grew up in Williams with her brother, Mark Spreen, who was also present to help out.
Members of the community all came out to volunteer their help.
Decades ago, according to Becky, the Fish Fry used to be put on by the fire department, but the cost of fish became too expensive, and the fire department eventually couldn’t afford the fundraiser.
In 2022, Alan Spreen, Becky’s nephew, and Mark Spreen’s son, started it up again with Logan O’Brien’s help, and this is the second year of the fish fry’s return.
“I’ve been here forever,” Mark, who was busy making lemonade in the kitchen when WBIW arrived, said, “I know more about what’s going on here than anyone else.”
While no one specifically seemed to be in charge, the event went smoothly and was well attended, with most of the seats full only half an hour in. The event featured a table of delicious desserts, fresh tea, and lemonade, as well as sides and other food to complement the fish itself.
Out back, a team of four fried fish for those enjoying the event, joking around, and having a great time despite the withering heat of the afternoon. Alan Spreen, responsible for the reignition of the Fish Fry as a yearly event, purchased the fish for the occasion, and he and the rest of the fish frying team spent the day frying it, donating all proceeds to the community.
The food was good, but the company was better. The whole community came out to either volunteer or enjoy the fundraiser, and a good time was had by all.
