By Beverly Clinkingbeard

They’re fishin’ in Elmo, Missouri, every second Saturday night of the month. Not at Mill Creek, but at the new community building located on the northeast side of town across from the Methodist Church.

I visited with Brook Snodderley Kinsella outside the Snodderley Lumber Company Plant Shed in Clearmont, Missouri, while she was arranging yard ornaments and plants, as well as advising a bunny to eat something other than the flowers and veggies for sale.

This is the particulars you need to know for the Elmo fish suppers held the second Saturday of every month from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The menu includes fried fish (pollack) and broasted chicken, plus salads, mac ’n cheese, “the best baked beans in the country,” dessert, soft ice cream, and drinks.

The Elmo fish suppers have been frying for many years. It began with veterans of the Bradley Legion Post. It is no longer an active post. The vets caught carp and thus began the suppers, at first among themselves and they’d enjoy the bony fish and play cards afterwards. The wives didn’t help and it was an all male party. Others began to come and soon a tradition began. A specialized dressing recipe evolved and it is used yet today and in safe keeping with a Betterment Club member.  Originally, the fish supper was in a store building and then it moved to the former bank building and now it is at the new community hall.  This building is almost finished; just a few remaining touches yet. It’s been a pay-as-you-go project. The next project is playground equipment.

Proceeds from the fish fries have helped as well as generous gifts from area residents. The Betterment Club is in charge of the suppers now and it is an all-volunteer crew. Betterment also sponsors the Elmo 4th of July Celebration and Parade. This year the celebration is 27th of June.  Mark your calendar. There will be the fireworks show at dusk, plenty of food, games, band and a chance to visit old friends. Bring your lawn chair and blanket. See you at Elmo.

’Til next time.