For about 37 years now, the Canute Volunteer Fire Department has put on its fish fry event every year and this year is no different.
This Friday, May 7 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. the Canute Volunteer Firefighters will be serving up fish, french fries, coleslaw, beans, hush puppies, and Texas toothpicks at the Canute Fire Station for those who are interested.
The price of a plate is by donation and carry out is available.
The donations go towards improvements and refurbishments of donated used trucks that the station has acquired over the years.
The trucks, donated by the Forestry Department, are refurbished, repaired, and improved by the Canute firefighters.
“Canute fire department is very fortunate to have among the 20 volunteers, many that are mechanically inclined volunteers that have helped to build the fire department’s fleet, maintain and make any necessary repairs,” Canute Town Clerk Paula McRee said.
The funds raised from the fish fry are also used towards gear, and also assists on grant applications that require matching funds.
McRee also stated that the volunteer firemen put on the fish fry in an effort to keep Canute’s fire ratings down to be able to help citizens have lower fire insurance ratings.
“Upgrading and keeping well maintained fire trucks and equipment lowers our ISO rating which benefits the home owners with lower insurance,” Fire Chief Jeremy Warnke said.
The event will take place this Friday at the Canute Fire Station located at Fourth and Schiedel.
The fish fry fundraiser was started when local fishermen Ronald Warnke, Ray Rogers, and J.D. Beck spoke with then firefighter Ronald Warnke (father of current fire chief Jeremy Warnke), about donating the fish they had caught in order to host what would be the department’s first fish fry event.
“It turned out to be a very effective fundraiser and continues to raise money for the department,” McRee said. “ It’s also a great get-together for the community and surrounding areas.”
If you cannot make it out to the fish fry but would still like to support the Canute Fire Department, you are welcome to donate directly to the department by sending your donation to Canute City Hall attn.: Fire Dept. PO Box 220, Canute, OK 73626.
“Come on out for a great tasting meal, enjoy visiting with your neighbors and support your fire department,” Warnke said.”