Today is Ash Wednesday, which means the Lenten season is upon us, and that means the return of fish frys throughout the region.

Lent, the 40-day season of prayer and fasting, continues this year until just before Easter Sunday. This period of reflection and repentance is meant to help Christians prepare to celebrate Christ’s resurrection.

Catholics observe Lent by abstaining from eating meat, especially on Fridays — hence the popularity of fish frys that has extended across decade after decade. It’s a tradition enjoyed by everyone, people of all faiths — even those of little or no faith. All are welcome.

You don’t have to look too far from any point in the Tri-State Area to find churches, fire departments, civic organizations and American Legion Posts that are continuing the tradition.

The menus provide a wide variety — from fried and baked fish sandwiches and platters, to fried shrimp, french fries, cole slaw, hush puppies, soups, macaroni and cheese, haluski, pierogies and homemade desserts, there’s something for everyone — even, in some cases, chicken tenders or other non-seafood selections for those who choose not to eat fish.

There are dinners available and a la carte selections, phone lines dedicated to take-out orders and plenty of seating for those who choose to eat inside one of the many halls — the options are nearly endless.

Not only do these events provide community members with delicious food options, they give the organizations hosting them the chance to earn some much-needed money. Typically held on Ash Wednesday at the beginning of Lent and on Fridays throughout the season, these events can bring in quite a bit of revenue, benefiting all sorts of causes.

Even more important is that the fish frys serve as reminders about the strong sense of community residents of our region are so proud of. They provide a place to get a great meal at an affordable price — one where just about all of the available items are prepared by people you know — and they also offer an opportunity to get out and spend time with your friends and neighbors. They are a chance to just sit back, relax and share an afternoon or early evening while enjoying good food and helping an area organization.

The number of area fish frys held each week — just like the cookie table at weddings — is something that is unique to our region of Eastern Ohio, Northern West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania. They are a fixture of Lent, and they offer nourishment for our bodies as well as our souls.