A major River Days tradition continues, as Rotarians prepare to greet the community once again with their annual Fish Fry event that has become a cornerstone in the Portsmouth area, growing in numbers each year.

The fry is the largest fundraiser the local Rotary hosts, which brings in thousands of dollars for their efforts across the entire community. The only other major fundraiser the group organizes is their annual rose sale.

Since 1962, the fry has been a staple, only ever going undone in 2020, due to the pandemic. Hundreds of people across Portsmouth and surrounding areas will gather around the Roy Rogers Esplanade to raise funding for a good cause around some of the best fish all year.

Jamie Mehaffey, President of Rotary since July 1, is excited to get the event underway, saying it is a tradition all of Rotary enjoys. Mehaffey has been involved in the community as a Rotarian since 2019, previously serving as President Elect.

“It is exciting, and I feel honored that the club has trusted my leadership, and to be able to do this,” Mehaffey said. “I like being able to give back to the community and putting service above self, which is our mantra as Rotarians.”

Proceeds from the event will go towards local charities and schools.

“It is our largest and longest running fundraiser. What it enables us to do, through fundraising efforts, is fuel our budget and be able to continue service projects in the community,” Mehaffey explained.

There are many groups that benefit from the fundraising efforts.

“We’ve recently made a donation to the South Central Ohio Educational Service Center, which sponsors events for youth in the area; we have around six scholarships at the Scioto Foundation; we’ve hosted a women’s hygiene drive for underprivileged women in partnership with the Salvation Army; we do Socktober, which collects socks for underprivileged members of the community, which was also in conjunction with the Salvation Army; we’ve helped Greenlawn Cemetery with a few things; we’ve sponsored a Community Fun Day at Hillview, because supporting other non-profits is good for us as a club,” Mehaffey explained. “We’re very proud, but it is also a very humbling feeling anytime you can give back to the community.”

The menu will consist of fried ocean filet sandwiches, crisp French fries, creamy coleslaw, and a choice of drink for $10. Take-out orders are also accepted.

The fish fry will be September 1, between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on the Roy Rogers Esplanade. You can get tickets from Rotarians prior to the event or at the fry itself.

Reach Joseph Pratt at (740) 353-3101, by email at [email protected], © 2022 Portsmouth Daily Times, all rights reserved.