More than 500 people show up every Friday  for  a fish fry dinner at the American Legion in Cicero. Remarkable is the fact that this operation is accomplished by a group of eight dedicated volunteers—no paid staff

By Richard Palmer

Most organizations such as church groups only hold fish fries during the Lenten season. That’s the way it started nearly a decade ago for James Harvey Spire American Legion Post 787.

But since then it has evolved into a year-round event that continues to draw big crowds from throughout Central York every Friday night.

And there’s been no let-up in its popularity.

The business of feeding 500 to 600 people who have made this their Friday night out is a major source of income for the post, said post commander Dave Plato. So the repeat business is phenomenal. The moderately priced menu includes haddock, shrimp, scallop and seafood platters, sandwiches and assorted side dishes.

Nobody goes away hungry here. Fresh seafood is shipped in every week and judging from the way people devour it, there are no leftovers.

Remarkable is the fact that this operation is accomplished by a group of eight dedicated volunteers—no paid staff—that include five who work in the kitchen and three waitresses.  The fish fry is the post’s major fundraiser, Plato said.

The post has a wide array of activities and is one of the most active veteran’s organizations in the area with 548 members and growing. This is due in large part to the caring leadership that the post offers to new veterans—some who have served several   tours of active duty in the Middle East.

The welcome mat is always out to returning troops no matter where they served.

Proceeds from the fish fry and other fundraisers such as a clambake and meat raffle are used to sponsor many community-based programs, including Boys State scholarships.

There’s never a dull moment at the post headquarters off Route 31. Whether it’s membership or community-wide events, there’s always something going on.

Post members participate in a host of events such as horseshoe and pitch tournaments, the sweetheart dance, air rifle championships, and  corned beef and cabbage dinners.

Numerous events in support of the troops are staged by the auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion. “We do a lot with the 174th Fighter Wing Air National Guard. Many of these fellows have served overseas on several tours of duty,” Plato said.

One of the special programs carried on by the auxiliary is the presentation of pocket flags to the troops.

Holiday food baskets are also prepared by auxiliary members during Easter, Christmas and Thanksgiving for both local military and civilian families in need. The post also assists returning military personnel in the relocation process and their transition into civilian life.

“We keep the troops in our daily thoughts and assist them in every way possible,” Plato said.

The post also participates in Memorial Day parades, memorial services and other related events. Plato himself is in charge of the color guard that marches in “Goodwill Days” events held on both sides of the Canadian border, in Kingston, Brockville, Gananoque, Cape Vincent, Clayton and Alexandria Bay, and has won numerous awards.

One of the major youth programs of the post is the Corps of Cadets leadership program for boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 17. This program instills leadership and life skills and self-discipline.