Crowds Flock to Fish Fry

By Jessica Burger

Overcast clouds and a light drizzle did not stop crowds from coming out to the Seal Beach Pier and bringing their family and friends with them, to dance, drink and eat fish on Saturday at the Lions Club Fish Fry.

Club members went behind the grill, serving up “the best halibut in the world,” said griller, Ray Longoria, a past Lions Club president and current club member.

Children wearing fish-themed Mardi Gras beads enjoyed the live jam bands and danced with Leo, the suited up mascot and lion. But while everyone smiled and conversed in that comfortable way that neighbors do, the real reason for everyone coming together was not far from mind.

“For me, the No.1 thing is community service,” said Margie Garcia, a Seal Beach Lion club and Fish Fry veteran, she has been apart of the organization for 15 years. “We had blind kids help us serving some of the beverages today.”

The 18th annual event is organized every year through the Seal Beach Lions Club, a non-profit organization that raises money for the sight and hearing impaired.

The free event raises funds through their sale of tickets for food, drinks and prizes from a mini raffle and opportunity drawing, which consists of a 600 ticket pool, at $100 bucks a pop for the chance of winning an iPad, a Pedego electric bike or a brand new Ford Escape truck. Mini raffle tickets come at a cheaper price, and the big items will be raffled off Sunday.

Club president Scott Newman said this year 600 tickets have already been sold and that the proceeds from the event will go the southern California chapter of Lions Dedicated friends in sight.

The two organizations work together by going out to free clinics, every two weeks, and giving away about 300-500 pairs of recycled glasses to individuals in need.

“Last weekend we went to Big Bear,” he said. “We met a family in which every one needed glasses, and we were able to give a pair to all five of them.”

But while the Lion’s club spends the entire year trying to give back to the community, The Fish Fry serves as more than a fundraiser.

“It seems like everyone comes out for it.” Newton said. The weekend long event drew about 2,500 people.

Seal Beach resident Michelle Howell was there with her family. They come every year.

“The beer, the music, the food. It’s just a great community event, and it’s great for the kids,” she said.

This year’s two-day event will continue through until 6 p.m. Sunday.