Feb. 15th marks the start of the 35th year of the annual Lenten Fish Fries at St. Clare’s Church in Canyon Country.

Last year, 7,437 dinners were served over the course of the six Lenten Friday nights.

Producing this incredible menu of beer-battered Alaskan cod, rice pilaf or french fries, coleslaw, rolls and beverages takes real planning.

St. Clare’s Fish Fries Chairman Paul Travers’ carefully kept records reveal that last year 4,700 pounds of fish, 900 pounds of flour, 2,796 eggs, 50 pounds of salt and seven kegs of beer were used for the beer-battered cod.

An additional 19 kegs of beer were used at the bar.

Also factor in 3,325 pounds of oil for frying the fish.

Preparing the rice pilaf took about 300 pounds of rice, 60 pounds of peas, and 40 pounds of onions. Hungry diners consumed more than 2,730 pounds of french fries.

Father Olin Mayfield, of St. Clare, takes special pride in the tartar sauce, noting that his parents were on the committee that started the first fish fries and that the tartar sauce recipe was their own.

“Originally the fish fries were a fund-raiser for Our Lady of Perpetual Help School,” said Mayfield. “Bingo displaced it and the fish fries were moved to St. Clare Church with the goal to raise money for direct and indirect assistance for those in need.”

Funds benefit the Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry, the Bridge to Home Winter Shelter as well as other community services and individuals who need direct assistance.

Dedicated volunteers worked approximately 6,100 hours in 2012 and look to match that figure again this year.

Volunteers arrive as early as 7 a.m. on Fridays to begin all the necessary cooking preparations.

They are joined throughout the day by crews who set up the dining room, serve the food, clear tables, wash dishes and clean up the kitchen as well as those who do the dining room clean up and tear down.

The efforts all add up to delicious dining, fellowship and successful fund-raising.

St. Clare’s is located at 19606 Calla Way in Canyon Country. Dinner is served from 4:30-8 p.m. on Friday evenings, Feb. 15 through March 22. Dinner prices are $9.50 for the three-piece dinner and $8.50 for the two-piece dinner.

Take out is available.

For more information: www.st-clare.org/ or call 661-252-3353.