Comedy and cars on Fish Fry’s plate this year
It’s that time of year again, when Costa Mesa takes on an air of fried fish, fun and tradition.
The Costa Mesa-Newport Harbor Lions Club’s annual Fish Fry, now in its 69th year, will take over Fairview Park from Friday to Sunday. For guests, the free event has long signaled the start of another Costa Mesa summer.
While this year’s event continues time-honored favorites — the $10 fried fish plates prepared using a secret recipe, the baby contest, carnival games and live music — there are two additions, Fish Fry organizer Mike Scheafer said.
Friday’s festivities will include stand-up comedy and a car show, said Scheafer, a former city councilman who now is on the Costa Mesa Sanitary District board.
The car show will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Comedy routines are slated to start at 6:45 and 7:45 p.m. Both are Friday only.
Bob Ooten, Scheafer’s colleague on the sanitary district board, is one of the comedians who will perform.
Ooten said his routine will focus primarily on self-deprecating humor about topics such as his Iowa roots and his former life running a sewage treatment plant.
“It’s great fun,” Ooten said. “Once I know my set, I’ve been extremely well-received.”
Proceeds from the Fish Fry will be distributed through the Lions Club to area nonprofits, high school athletic programs and others. More than $2 million has been raised over the decades.
Fish Fry volunteers are expected to cook about 3,500 meals throughout the three-day festival.
For more information and a complete list of events, visit www.cmnslions.com.
*
IF YOU GO
What: 69th annual Fish Fry
When: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Fairview Park, 2501 Placentia Ave., Costa Mesa
Twitter: @BradleyZint
