Optimist fry wagon keeps crowds fed in Tavistock and Shakespeare

Al and Ellen Fuhr, both recipients of the Shakespeare Community Athletic Association's Honorary Service Award, wait for an order of fresh-cut fries during the annual Shakespeare Field Day fish fry. Serving customers from the Tavistock Optimist Club fry wagon are Jeff Stoesser, left, and Jesse Weicker. Gary West photo

By Gary West

A few years ago, the Tavistock Optimist Club made a significant investment when it purchased its own fry wagon.

Since then, the mobile kitchen has become a familiar sight at community events throughout the area and has proven to be a valuable fundraising tool for the club.

The wagon is perhaps best known for the club's popular Friday Night Fries events, where residents regularly line up to enjoy fresh-cut fries prepared by Optimist volunteers.

Last Friday was no exception, as club members served more than 500 pounds of potatoes to hungry customers at Optimist Park on the west side of Tavistock.

Less than 24 hours later, the fry wagon was on the move again.

The trailer headed north to Shakespeare, where Optimist Club members joined forces with volunteers from the Shakespeare Community Athletic Association (SCAA) during the annual Shakespeare Field Day celebrations.

Hundreds of people attending the popular fish fry and other Field Day activities enjoyed servings of fresh fries prepared by the Tavistock volunteers.

Members of the SCAA have long appreciated the support of the Tavistock Optimist Club, whose volunteers continue to play an important role in helping make the annual event a success.

The club's next Friday Night Fries events are scheduled for July 10 and Aug. 7.