Port Washington Fish Day draws crowds, raises money

PORT WASHINGTON, Wis. - The Harley-Davidson anniversary is not the only festival people flocked to Saturday, July 15. Port Washington’s iconic Fish Day drew large crowds, too.

The fish was fried and sizzling.

"It’s gets that golden brown color, and we test a few too once in a while," said Chuck Lanser.

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Chuck Lanser will help serve up many batches of fish this year. It’s all for Port Washington’s annual Fish Day festival.

"The only pressure you feel is when the parade gets out, and there’s lines 15 deep, and you can’t fry fast enough," said Lanser. "We have 12 fryers, and sometimes it’s hard to keep up with the crowds."

Port Washington Fish Day

The festival is in Port Washington’s Harbor area. FOX6 News was there as crews prepared for the long-standing festival.

"Our focus is now on Port Washington’s largest fundraiser for the community," said Dave Mueller. "All the money that’s raised here goes back into our community."

Fish Day was in danger of being canceled this year. Mueller and a team of volunteers helped make the family event happen.

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"I’m really proud of our team," Mueller said. "What we pulled off in months."

Fish Day has food, a car show, fun and more. It falls during Harley-Davidson’s 120th celebration this year.

"We’re competing with that, but it is what it is," said Mueller. "We are local, and we are focusing what we can control."

Port Washington Fish Day

Fish Day brings the community together. Organizers said the focus is on keeping the historic tradition alive.

"This is what community is all about. It’s Fish Day," Mueller said. "It doesn’t get any better than this in our small little town."

More information on Port Washington's Fish Day can be found on the Port Fish Day website.