The American Legion Geo. Benjamin Post 791 launched a weekly fish fry after a three year hiatus.

Feb. 19 marked the kickoff of a seven-week eventeach Friday from 4 to 9 p.m. through April 2, the Sportsmans Golf Course Clubhouse will be home to the fry event, co-sponsored by the Northbrook-based post.

The post used to hold regular fish fry events at its former location on Phingston Road, said Craig Ardagh, a past commander and Americanism officer. But, it moved to a smaller location where it cant accommodate them now, he added.

The post currently leases space at 1354 B, Shermer Road, Ardagh said, which is just for meetings.

Ardagh said he likes that the event brings the community together on a Friday evening.

Theres a very good chance well bring it back in the following years during the same time, Ardagh said.

Attendees at the first fry of the series included legion members with their families as well as community members, he said.

Former Northbrook resident Joan Wilke, who now resides in Wheeling, said shes been coming to the fish fry event for about 50 years.

In the past, legionnaires and their wives helped to cook and prepare the food, but now the Sportsmans Country Clubs food service is cooking during the event..

I was the salad lady, Wilke said. My husband passed away, but he was very active. He was in charge of the fish fry.

Wilke said shes happy to see the event return.

I think its wonderful, Wilke said. We were so anxious to come. I hope they continue it.

The event includes a full course, all-you-can-eat Cod, Perch and Walleye menu, with coleslaw, vegetables, rice, baked potatoes or fries.

Fried shrimp and grilled salmon are also available.

The post is sharing profits made from the events with the Sportsmans clubhouse, which will go toward future legion activities. The price for cod, perch and fried shrimp dinners is $10.95, for walleye it's $11.95 and grilled salmon is $12.95. 

The Sportsmans Golf Course Clubhouse is located at 3535 Dundee Rd., Northbrook.

By Blair Chavis|Triblocal.com reporter

Triblocal.com photos by Blair Chavis