Masons fish fry to coincide with June First Friday

Helping with the return of the annual Masons fish fry last October, Worshipful Master Ed Wilson unloads two freshly-fried baskets of fish. The tradition has returned to its usual summer slot in 2021 and is set for 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Friday, June 4.

Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN

When the Greencastle Masonic Lodge planned the return of its traditional summer slot, no one had First Friday in mind.

However, the members of Temple Lodge No. 47 F&AM aren’t complaining that their upcoming event falls on the same day as the return of the tradition that generally attracts hundreds of people to downtown Greencastle.

“We didn’t plan it that way, but it worked out,” Worshipful Master Ed Wilson said.

Back in 2016, when the Masons last had an early-summer fish fry, First Friday was still on its way to becoming a downtown Greencastle staple.

So Wilson and his fellow members are hoping that the return of First Friday after a COVID-19 hiatus in 2020 will benefit the lodge and its major annual fundraiser, which goes toward upkeep of the historic building.

The fish fry will get going much earlier than the events a block or so to the west, opening at 11 a.m. and continuing until 8 p.m. or the fish runs out, whichever comes first. Temple Lodge is located at 118 E. Washington St., Greencastle.

Wilson said the lodge got good feedback when the fish fry tradition resumed last October as a one-day event.

“We’re going to keep doing it annually,” Wilson said, though he added that there may be some interest in doing both a spring/early summer event and a fall event.

He added that it will continue to be a one-day event, as it is much easier to get plenty of volunteers for a single day.

And even as things get back to “normal,” the Masons will encourage people to take precautions such as encouraging mask wearing and social distancing.

Additionally, all meals, which include hand-breaded cod and sides, will be in take-out containers, though there will be places to sit and enjoy the meal.

“If they’re more comfortable taking it, they can,” Wilson said.

Aside from raising funds for the lodge, Wilson hopes the event helps promote a sense of community as residents emerge from the pandemic.

“It seems like it’s always a social event,” Wilson said.

“It’s kind of heartwarming to see folks get out and enjoy some community time. And we just like cooking fish.”