The fish was being battered and fried, hot hush puppies were piling up and the slaw and potato salad were mixed and ready to put on plates – and, just like clockwork – the Tri County Shrine Club Fish Fry was underway, serving plates for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
WIZS had a live broadcast from its newest location, Tony’s Auto & Tire, 415 Raleigh Rd. Over the past six decades, the Shrine Club Fish Fry fundraiser has been held in several different locations, including the Henderson Armory, former grocery stores and more.
When COVID-19 restrictions were in place, the fish fry became take-out only. But this year, thanks to Tony and Tammy Sanford, patrons can choose a dine-in option again.
This is the first time that Amran Temple Potentate Kyle Carlson has come to the Henderson Fish Fry, now in its 61st year. The Amran Temple has eight Shrine Clubs and Carlson said he’s come to see the fundraiser in person, to watch and learn for when the Temple hosts a similar fundraiser later in the year.
“It’s a great turnout every year,” he said. “Come out and support the Shriners so we can support the hospitals.”
The closest Shriners Hospital is located in Greenville, SC and serves orthopedic patients.
Frankie Nobles, the county’s Special Projects coordinator, spent part of his lunch hour inside Tony’s with a plate of fish and sides.
Nobles said he always tries to support the Shriners’ efforts. His daughter received care after a sports injury damaged a knee.
Sanford and his wife, Tammy, have been working on the interior of the former Toyota dealership for the past four years and have transformed it into a ‘50’s style diner, complete with red and white furnishings and a couple of jukeboxes in the dining area.
Shriner Randy Newman said this location is “first class.” Previous dine-in locations were basically empty spaces, and Shriners and volunteers had to set up tables and chairs to accommodate patrons.
At Tony’s, everything’s already set up. “This place is nice – we are enjoying it so far,” Newman said, noting that having a kitchen area for prepping the sides had been another bonus.
“It’s just real, real good for us to work in,” Newman said.
The Shriners, their spouses and other volunteers come together to make the fundraiser a success each year.
As Newman explained, “Once you go to the Shriners’ Hospital and see the work they do, you’ll do anything you can for these kids.”
WIZS caught up with long-time Shriner and worker Donald Seifert, who seemed right at home inside the space, which is filled with Coca-Cola memorabilia.
“We’ve had a good turnout today,”Seifert said. “This new location has worked out very well…(people) have an eat-in option…and the folks who have been inside have been happy, socializing with one another.
He said the Sanfords were gracious to offer their unique spot. “I hope we can come back,” Seifert said.
The money was still being counted, but Seifert said he estimated that the fish fry’s proceeds would top $7,000 for the Shriners Hospital.
“Last year we were able to send them a check for $8,000.” Last year, he said they’d sold between 1,500 and 1,600 plates.
By 6 p.m. Wednesday, they’d sold about 1,500 plates. “I think we’ll top that before the evening’s out,” Seifert said.
