It would have been so easy to simply cancel the Fish Fry last Thursday at Branch 124 of the Royal Canadian Legion. The furnace was being tempermental, and there were some concerns with the aging water pipes.

But cancelling wasn’t really an option, apparently.

Prolonged really freezing temperatures, ice and persistent accumulations of snow had basically shut our town down. But our Fish Fry crew had thawed the haddock, and it just isn’t right to thaw it again. Something about texture, mouth feel and taste.

A whole lot of fish would have to be tossed, at substantial cost.

The weekly Fish Fry is more than just a meal. It’s many things, including a social event. An anticipated weekly opportunity for many locals to get together for a chinwag with friends.

The quality of the haddock, french fries and cole slaw draw a good weekly crowd. The meal is consistent, with no surprises. All at a very fair price.

But also, as they sang in the musical “Fiddler on the Roof,” tradition must be respected. Here in our wee town, the Fish Fry is on Thursday.

Tradition. Tevye the Milkman attempted to shelter his seven daughters from changes and the outside world. His little world worked just fine, so why accept change?

The Fish Fry would go on, just not on Thursday this week … I get confused, but fry day isn’t Friday. It’s Thursday.

Regular communications channels were used, and the “NOTL Bush Telegraph” kicked into gear. I personally learned about the one day postponement from Henry Adamowski, as he drove past me in his very macho pickup truck. The Legion’s Email list, their Facebook, and random telephone calls.

Victoria and Al and our enthusiastic Legion leaders determined to get the word out, and respect the old mantra, “The show must go on.”

So, here’s what ultimately happened. Hungry people who showed up on Thursday to eat in or take out were advised of the date change, and advised that not only would the same great meal be served on Friday, Jan. 30, it would be two bucks cheaper. And, with live music.

Niagara entertainer Terry Upper was able to adjust his schedule, and sang from several genres. Some country western, some folk, some real oldies and no hip-hop.

Again, local cadets were somehow able to get to the branch, and again they smilingly delivered the meals to tables or the take out counter.

By any measure, the turnout for this Fish Fry on a Friday night was awesome. It was unspoken, but obvious that people really appreciated the big effort made by the Fish Fry crew, local branch. They had gone the extra mile, and a very surprising number of people enjoyed dinner.

Personally, the folks at my regular table had the opportunity to learn more about the true story from Ukraine.

NOTLer George Dyck has moved to Manitoba, but was back home for a visit. He is totally committed to helping ease the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. The brave ancestors of so many Niagarans came from Ukraine, and they need our help.

If anyone wants to learn about the history of our now popular and quickly developing town, spend some time listening to George and his old Niagara District buddies.

For us “new” residents, these stories are a great reminder that agriculture is hugely important. It’s not all wine and Shaw.

The other fun conversation topic at the Legion Fish Fry last Friday was the lack of nicknames in our current society: Dip, Fluffy, Dizzy, the list was endless.

Think about it, and perhaps ramble with some friends. Invent a nickname for a friend or family member.