Fish Fry chef Dane Johnson tending to his cooking duties at last year's event.

It’s back by popular demand, and the Sanibel-Captiva Lions Club is excited to be presenting their third Fish Fry event on Sanibel this Friday, July 1. The club’s first Fish Fry, held in November 2010, drew more than 300 guests and was a major success for everyone involved. Together, the last two events raised $10,000 that went to benefit the Southeastern Guide Dogs, an organization with a mission to create and nurture a partnership between a visually impaired individual and a guide dog.

The Lions Club is looking forward to recreating the event’s previous successes, because once again they have another great cause in mind. Money raised at Friday’s event will to benefit the Lions’ Summer Camp Scholarships for the Handicapped who will be able to attend Quest’s Camp Thunderbird program. For more information about the camp, please visit www.questinc.org.

The Fish Fry will be held at the Sanibel Community House, located at 2173 Periwinkle Way, starting at 5 p.m. and lasting “until the fish runs out.” The menu will feature fresh, fried fish, cheese grits, baked beans, cole slaw, a choice of beverages and apple pie. As usual, even carry-out will be available. There is an $8 suggested donation for adults, and children under five will be admitted for free.

“Thanks to the support from everyone on Sanibel and Captiva, we’ve had such enormous success with this event,” said Lion Rick Siders, the Sanibel Captiva Lions Club’s incoming president. “The Lions Club is looking forward to seeing everyone there this weekend. We are always sincerely grateful to our sponsors who continue to support us in our mission to serve.”

The Fish Fry’s title sponsor is Bailey’s General Store. Other sponsors include Barefoot Charley’s Painting Co., Island Graphics, Island Pharmacy, Lily & Company Jewelers, Sanibel Air Conditioning, Sanibel-Captiva Community Bank, Sanctuary Island Electric and Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings.

The previous Fish Fry events have been attended by some notable guests and servers such as the honorary Lioness Judie Zimomra, Lion Mick Denham, honorary Lion Tommy Gray and his Lion guide dog Jackson, as well as Fish Fry chef Dane Johnson. The fresh fish was provided by Lion fisherman Danny Duncan.